Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I've decided to have another go at the Virgin London Marathon, and my choice of charity to seek sponsorship for is in no small part driven by my experience in the 2011 race.

As you may know, after setting out to run sub-2:45 (in my first marathon, yes, rather bullish) and then slowing after going through half way in 1:22, I collapsed and passed out at around mile 19. When I regained consciousness, lying on a bed in a medical tent, I was informed by the doctor and other medics tending to me that I had massively overheated (my core temperature was around 41C) and that I they would look to cool me down and get me to a healthy, stable condition. Fortunately I recovered quickly.

While that marked the end of my 2011 Virgin London Marathon, I resolved then that I would come back to run in the 2012 race, I would finish, and I would ideally run in aid of St John's Ambulance, whose volunteers did so much to treat me and then help me recooperate afterwards.

For those of you who also regularly compete in sports events, or who go to support and cheer on friends and family, the St John's Ambulance will be a familiar site. However, its also probably true to say that many of us take their presence for granted, and rarely consider the value of their work in saving lives and treating injuries through the provision of on site first aid and through training. To help support their continued work and efforts, I would be incredibly grateful if you could show your support and donate what you can.

(PS. For people thinking I'm being reckless and risking another St John's call out by making a second attempt on London, I have been doing a lot more training - running and cycling 7.5 miles to and from work 4 days a week since early November - and I won't be so aggressive with my target time, although sub-2:50 would be nice). 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.