Dear Family, Friends, Colleagues and Patients,

I'm planning to run the Reading half marathon followed by the London Marathon in April 2012. As you might guess I've never run such a race in my life, so let's hope the body holds up (unlike last year!). In any case, I am running for many reasons:

1. To run the London Marathon once in my life has always been a personal goal .........better late than never!

2. The need to lose weight and get fit and healthy has become more apparent over the years!

3. I want to show by example to those that know me how important exercise/diet/weight control is to all, and that it is possible - even if you've never been a marathon runner in your life!.......if I may quote Dr Depani "Taking Time to Invest In Your Own Health".

4. I would like to raise as much money as possible for charity (this has always been an ambition which I wish to fulfil) - and St John's Ambulance is one of the first charities I became aware of .........I think if more people were able to do first aid eg basic CPR then more lives could be saved (how many lives are lost before they get to the likes of us?).

5. I want to see the big smiles on my family's faces as I go past the finishing line.

Now it's time for you to get your credit or debit card out and do the good deed for charity.........as you will know, none of this money comes to me - only the pain and joy of finishing the marathon!! Please donate whatever you wish; I will not to be offended as I believe that no amount is too small; even £5 per person will go a long way.......but I am hopeful for at least £1 per mile please. You don't have to donate as much as Dr Depani as he is paying to get his famous quote in! 

Gurdip.

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