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Two and half years ago, I was just under 17st (see second picture in my photo's wearing a classy leather jacket HA!!) and I decided that I wanted to get in shape, so I started going to the gym, the weight soon came off and I soon decided that I would be confident enough to do the Liverpool 10k Tunnel Run, without the aid of a respirator or a paramedic. I had bragged to my friends that I would do this for the last two years and when it actually dawned on me the distance that I would run, I always found an excuse to back out.

Well i completed the 10k Tunnel Run and loved every minute of it. I then got the bug and set out on my next goal which was the Liverpool Half Marathon, I completed this run also, with the help of a great friend aka (Flemster) who wouldn't have forgiven me, had i not of completed it. But complete it we did and it was one of the best experiences of my life, it was so emotional, especially seeing my friends and family shouting those words of encouragement to me (fatty) and believe me, at times you need it. They also knew what training I had done and what it meant to me, so nothing was going to stop me from completing it. In all of this my weight is now 13st :)

Sadly, I never ran the race for charity and looking back I should have done, as many people were happy to sponsor me, however for me, it was a personal goal and looking back i have a sense of regret that a cause in need of help, could have benefited through my actions.

A week later after I completed the run, a personal friend rang me, firstly to congratulate me on completing the run and secondly, telling me how annoyed she was that she couldn't make a donation to my charity, this is typical of her and her exact words to me were "what a waste of time that was!" here, I must point out that I have left out the swear words that she also used!!

This person that I am talking about and she knows who she is, has done more for other people than you could ever imagine. Her generosity and kindness that she bestows to other people is nothing short of amazing and I know she gets more pleasure in making other people happy than she does of herself, so for that reason, I thought if I am going to run this Marathon, I want to do it for someone who would smile at the thought of this lunatic, being me, with short stumpy legs, trying to complete this run.

In doing this challenge, it is not a thank you from me to her, but a thank you from everyone she has helped along the way, so in doing the Liverpool Marathon, I am doing it for this persons chosen charity which is Diabetes UK, something I also learned that she suffers from.

One of the greatest things about running a race is seeing how many people do it for charity and in some way it is sad that they have to do this to raise money and also awareness, so I want to do my bit and be one of those people also, who can try and raise as much as possible, to such a worthy and important cause.

To run and complete a marathon is something special, however to run it for this person and also her chosen charity which is "Diabetes UK" would be a priviledge and i ask you all to help me, support this charity and again to raise as much money and awareness as possible !!

Thanks,

John Jo

P.S - I know times are tough, but anything that you can donate, then it would mean so much!!