27/10/2008

I have been fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to run the London Marathon on behalf of the ‘Breast Cancer Campaign’ charity.  I am required to raise a minimum of £1,500 but would naturally like to raise as much money for this great cause as I can.

I want to raise awareness to this illness as although it is most common in women it is also poses a significant risk to men, for which very few people are aware. Unfortunately this tends to result in the cancer being more advanced and harder to treat when diagnosed.

I lost my father to breast cancer over 14 years ago and still see a huge disparity between awareness of this in men and women in this country.

I have been lucky enough to be given the opportunity to challenge myself at next year’s event and will not only succeed in my goal of raising awareness and money for the charity but also succeed in honouring my late father by making him proud of me and my achievement.

If you wish to help me raise this money then please give generously…

10/03/2009

I want to say a big thank you to those of you who have already sponsored me and have helped me reach such a huge amount so far!

Anyone who is yet to sponsor me but is still keen, every penny counts so whatever you wish to donate is greatly appreciated.

Since getting a Golden Bond place in the London Marathon I have been asked to do some interviews for local papers and a couple of magazines as Breast Cancer is so rare in men.

I know some people have seen the articles in the local papers, St. Albans Review and Harpenden Focus.  The upcoming interviews for the magazines are as follows if anyone is interested in following my story:

- Zest magazine (May edition) is out in early April

Thanks again for all your support.

27 April 2009

I did it!!!!  Even though it was one of the hottest days, and I am slightly sun burnt, I managed to run the marathon (without stopping) in 4hrs 54mins!!! 

The atmosphere was amazing from start to finish, everyone calling out your name and cheering you on (as I had it printed on my running vest), all the kids high fiving you, people giving you sweets to keep you going, all the pubs had their DJ’s outside with music blasting out and the crowds singing and dancing along - it was brilliant! 

Without the crowd it would have been much harder so thank you if you turned up to cheer the runners on!  It was a pretty emotional day for everyone, especially the people that have really been there to support me throughout a tough few months both emotionally and physically!

I never hit 'the wall' that some runners talk about, and my fastest mile was, believe it or not, mile 25!!  I have already signed up for next year and encourage everyone to do the same as it’s a brilliant experience and an amazing day.  Those people that know me know that if I can do it, anyone can!