UPDATE - Full story here: http://www.gudger.net/BelfastMarathon2010/

Phil - 09/05/2010

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It's a UK tradition to run a marathon dressed in a silly costume to persuade people to give money to charity. Instead of doing this, I'm going to run a marathon dressed in a total bad ass costume!

On May 3rd I'm doing the Belfast Marathon dressed as my hero; Neo from the Matrix. All you need to know is that the costume is black and heavy and I will suffer much pain and misery trying to run 26 miles in it, especially if it's very sunny or raining (in Belfast it's most likely to be raining). But if it makes children smile and raises some money then it will be worth it.

The charity I'm supporting is Barnardo's who help children with numerous difficulties, including mental health problems, homelessness, poverty, HIV and AIDS. It's a charity that's important to me because without it, I wouldn't be here. My great, great grandfather was a homeless orphan on the streets of London who was taken in by the founder of the charity, Dr Barnardo himself.

Now that I've revealed my lower than working class roots, the least you can do is sponsor me! I'm supposed to raise £1000. That's only 100 people giving £10. Surely that's at least possible if not a lot more? All credit cards are accepted (UK and other countries) or PayPal. The money goes straight to the charity so there's no chance of me running off with it!