As you are all aware, last year, Michael "Ed" Whitbread lost his long and courageous battle with myeloma. a battle that Ed faced not with self pity, but with great dignity, which was so typical of our friend.

Many of you were able to pay your respects at Ed's funeral but some of us were unable to attend due to a certain angry volcano that brought air travel to a grinding halt.

Most of you will know that Ed enjoyed a long playing career at Upper Clapton Rugby Club but he was also, along with Kim, a keen runner.

It was the latter, after speaking to Kim, that inspired me to how best pay tribute to Ed.

So my friends, i have entered into the Silverstone Half Marathon, taking place on 6th March 2011.

Our resident running guru, Chris Cowley has agreed to take part along with Alan "Alvin" Stone,  but most importantly Kim has honoured us by also  joining the team.

For those of you who wish to make a donation, Kim's chosen charity is Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, http://www.beatbloodcancers.org/

You are all more than welcome to come to Silverstone to cheer us on, or failing that, come down and have a beer with us at our spiritual home The Marquis later that evening.

17/01/11 Update .. My training is going to plan up and down the mountains here in Portugal, Chris and Kim are pounding the streets in Harlow but Alvin is slacking! so the more money you pledge the bigger the stick we have to hit him with!

Many thanks to all of you that have already donated, it is much appreciated by the team.

Love to all

Horry

PS and now for the small print :

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 - We raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.