Better than expected

What is it about the London Marathon that makes it so special?  I completed my 21st ‘London’ this year and it still draws me back.  I do run other marathons - some that are much tougher - but this is the one that everyone talks about. The support from spectators is simply amazing and their cheering is almost deafening at times; when you go through a bad patch their encouragement gets you through it.  I reckon some spectators exert as much energy as the runners!

It is an emotional experience … the colourful spectacle of all those runners raising money for the many good causes; some runners fighting disabilities of their own; everyone’s sheer determination to finish; the backdrop of some of London’s iconic sights; again that cacophony of spectator support; and thinking especially of my own daughters … brings tears to the eyes.

My heartfelt thanks to all those of you who sponsored me. You helped to double my fundraising target! I raised £2,000 (plus £321 worth of gift aid) for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.  I ran much better than I had hoped for or expected. My finishing time was 3hrs, 38mins, 54secs - giving me an automatic ‘good for age’ entry next year.

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Those of you who have kindly sponsored me before will know that my eldest daughter, Amanda (39), was diagnosed with MS when she was 19 years old. Just after last year’s London Marathon my youngest daughter, Sally (35), told us that she has also been diagnosed with MS. As you can imagine it has been hard for us all to take this news in. Thankfully, though, Sally has few symptoms and still leads a very active life. Despite Amanda's ongoing MS symptoms, she too loves her life, with her partner, Karl, and their dog, Teddy, and cat, Bob.

Our resolve to help raise money for the MS Society is strengthened.

100,000 people in the UK have MS. There's no cure, but by supporting the work of the MS Society - especially through its research projects - your donations can help to make life better for everyone affected.

Thank you 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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.