28/4/09 I've done it! 4 hrs 5mins - the same time as Gordon Ramsey, ten mins faster than Ronan Keating and 3hrs 6 mins faster than Peter and Jordan. A very respectable time, but I can't help feeling that 5 mins quicker would have been that little icing on the cake. However, I didn't do it for the time, I ran for the community (and the money). 

The Start

What a day! The sun was shining, the butterflies were swarming in my stomach, my 1 year old son had been sick through the night and my two other children were busy trying to eliminate some unwelcome inhabitants from their hair. Fortunately my caring wife allowed me to sleep in another room, albeit on the floor, so I could get those few important hours rest. Breakfast at 7:45 was a bowl of museli, two bananas on toast, a lucozade sport drink, some orange juice and some dark chocolate. Delme knocked on the door at 8:45 am to walk me those few hundred yards to the start line where he said a prayer and waved me on. Three trips to the loo and some bizarre conversations with other dazed runners later and we were off like a mass of sardines, all trying to find a bit of space to move forward without knocking elbows or ankles.

On Home Soil

Running past Deptford High Street at 7 miles was like magic- so many familiar faces with balloons, t shirts and banners cheering me on. My children were there with a bag of jelly babies to keep my energy levels up and a cap to help keep the sun off my head. It's hard to describe the feelings that you get from the many thousands of supporters who line the entire route cheering and urging you on. Everybody wanted me to succeed as they chanted "Come on Bench, come on Benchy'. Maybe I should have put my name on my t shirt too? But there seemed to be enough middle aged men running called Paul to ensure that my name was being called out the whole time anyway.

My 15 Minutes of Fame

For a while, around 17-20 miles I thought I must be running near a guy with Ronan Keating (lead singer of Boyzone) on his t shirt as there were roars of support for him all around me. It was some time before I realized it was the real Ronan and he had been running right next to me. I looked at him, raised my eyebrows and pressed on. Well - what would you say? (Will you sponsor me? Do you know Jesus?)

The Run-In

At 23 miles the cramps started popping up in my legs and at about 24/25 I had to stop and stretch them out a few times. The last couple of miles may have been slow but I am grateful that I managed to run the whole thing without walking. The last half mile lasted for ever making the finish line like a distant dream - but as with many dreams, after a lot of work, I arrived triumphant, only to blub, just a little, over the poor girl who hung a medal round my neck. I wonder how many grown men she saw cry that day? It is remarkable what people put their bodies through over months of training because they believe in the work of the charities they are supporting. There were many who lay collapsed by the side of the road, overcome by pain, or cramp. One poor chap just a couple of hundred yards from the finish. It was a hot day, full of emotion, pain and joy. I ended it with a fantastic tasting curry with my family and parents back at home.

No Pain, No Gain!

Two days later I need a stick to go up and down the stairs or get in and out of a chair but I'm well. Thanks so much for sponsoring me - we still have a bit to go - I will keep you posted. Maybe you could do it next year - cos I'm taking a break for at least 3. Much love Paul NB Many thanks also to those who worked hard at the Bear giving out refreshments and balloons. And Brigitte and Declan at Bench who, I think, worked at least as hard as me to make it all happen. Also to my wife and children who should be sponsored too as they put up with my training and the weekend itself.

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

The Bear Building:
The current lease expires in August and the owners need to sell it. We want to buy it so that Bench Outreach can expand and The Bear Church can continue to have a presence on the High Street.

The Bear Church:
We are a diverse and growing group of people committed to God and others working in Deptford since 1989.

Bench Outreach:
We are a charity working with alcoholics, drug users, ex-offenders and homeless people in South East London. Based in Deptford, our mission is to provide immediate and on-going support to vulnerable people. We advise, signpost, refer and advocate.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Bench Outreach gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!