Dear Everyone,

I made it!!  I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone for all your phenomenal support.  Kirsten and I are absolutely delighted to have raised well over £3000 plus gift aid, which will make a genuine difference to those who suffer from this invidious condition.  The fact that so many people have been so generous definitely kept me going during the "dark times" of the race (which was pretty much all of the marathon - which was in 32 degree heat!) and spurred me on to make it to the finish line - which I finally reached after 13 hrs 52 minutes and 18 seconds!!  I couldn't have done it without all of you. Thank you.

James

As many of you will know, last year Kirsten, my wife, undertook a half marathon as part of a relay team in an Ironman 70.3 in Mallorca to raise funds for the MS Trust (Multiple Sclerosis) which provides support and information for those who suffer from this invidious condition. She raised in excess of £2600, a magnificent effort, particularly as most you will also know she was diagnosed with MS herself 11 years ago, having been taken ill while we were on holiday in Mallorca!!

This year it is my turn, and whilst I cannot match her achievement, I have decided to push myself in the hope that the thought of me in pain and agony will encourage all of you to dig deep to support the critical work of the MS Trust undertakes.

Consequently, I am taking part in the Ironman Switzerland Triathalon on Sunday 29^thJuly 2018.  For those who know what this entails please feel free to let your minds wonder during the following explanation; it starts with a 3.8km (2.4 mile) open water swim in Lake Zurich, followed by a 180km (112 mile) cycle ride through the Swiss Alps and then the small matter of running a marathon (42km or 26.2 miles).  I am supposed to finish this within 16 hours to be allowed to call myself an “Ironman”.

Therefore, if the thought of me crying in pain, puts a smile on your face, please make a small donation to the cause and help provide much needed support to those who live day to day with MS.  The founder of Ironman races, John Collins said "You can quit if you want to and no one who knows you will care, but you will know and you will know for the rest of your life".  Kirsten has never quit despite the challenges she faces everyday living with MS, please help me and her help others who need our support.

I have covered the costs of my participation, so ever penny you give will go to the work of the MS Trust.

Thank you in anticipation of your support.

Very best wishes

James & Kirsten

PS: My thanks go to my riding buddy Mat Weare, to my running partners Dan Bishop and Ben Issacs (who will do anything to avoid being led by me in the future so they don’t have to run after court every day!), to my trainer Clive Hill (Body Mechanics) who has achieved miracles and to all our friends and family who have supported us and finally to Kirsten, Will and Emma, my wonderful wife and children who have supported, loved and encouraged me, (and taken the mick at the sight of me in lycra!) and kept me going during the dark times.  Thank you all.