Firstly - Thanks for visiting my Just Giving page - it is very much appreciated!

There's alot to be said for Face Book and what you find yourself signing up for before you really know it! Nothing like a bit of banter and some coersion from your friends!

Not realising that for my first ever marathon I had unwittingly signed up for what is billed as Europe's toughest marathon, the dawn of realisation became apparent as my jaw hit my desk when I saw the profile of this jaunt into the hills of North Wales! http://www.snowdoniamarathon.co.uk/courseprofile.pdf

Without a doubt the course designer has masochistic tendencies. Not content with an ascent up part of Snowdon in the fist section of the race, there is also a really long and sharp incline right towards the end - that's just when your legs are about to give up the ghost so someone told me. Thanks for that! Oh and of course North Wales is particularly known for its swarthy climate and lack of precipitation especially in the month of OCTOBER - NOT!! If I can finish this "race" on the same day it starts I will be a happy man! So will Prince William as he will keep his feet warm back at RAF Valley knowing that he won't have to fly out to some plodder daft enough to trek the 26 miles round this (very picturesque) route!

So now I'm "in it" both physically and metaphorically and please take that in everyway that the inference would suggest, I decided that I will raise some money for a cause close to my heart.

CUDDLES is a charity that helps with raising funds for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) in North Wales' Glan Clwyd hospital. Each of my 3 children have spent varying amounts of time at SCBU. Our firtborn was 2 months premature and spent her first 3 weeks there. Our second son also received amazing care and attention from these unsung NHS employees. I have never witnessed such dedication, compassion and professionalism and whilst our son, James, received only 4 and 1/2 days of their care before he sadly passed away, we will never forget the humanity and care those at the SCBU provided at that time. Our 3rd child, whilst also a month premature, spent an hour there before being handed back to my wife stating that his squaking and bawling was keeping all the other babies awake!

This unit is now under threat of being moved to The Wirral which for any new parent residing in and around the Bodelwyddan area would effectively increase their journey time, on average, to see their new born children by an additional 45 minutes - one way. Not only would this increase their travel but this would also mean probably looking at having to find temporary accommodation nearer to the facility. From first hand experience this is not an added problem that I would want to face on a day to day basis on top of worrying about the health of my new born son or daughter.

So whilst I am sure you are asked so many times to put your hand in your pocket for causes which are just as worthy, I would be hugely grateful if you could spare even the smallest of donations for this worthy cause. My kids are my life. Simples. Without SCBU and CUDDLES supporting, my life would not be as enriched as it is as I would not have been a dad. This Marathon gives an opportunity of helping someone else to realise their dream of becoming a parent. So in anticipation of your genorsity, thank you!

And God help me!

 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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

So please, if you feel that you can, make a donation just follow the instructions on how to help me raise some money.