Hello everybody and Thank you for taking your time to have a look at my sponsor page!!!

If you haven't already guessed, i am running the Reading half Marathon on Sunday 2nd March 2008 - this is why:

As you may or my not know, i have always wanted to become a Fireman, but due to my misfortune, i am partially deaf in my left ear which automatically rules me out for even applying to the Fire Services. I am raising money through the Reading half Marathon, to give something back to the Fire Service, who on a daily basis, save lives, not to mention risking their lives in doing this, when tackling all sorts of fires, cutting people from cars, saving lives in the London bombings - the list is endless.

Some information on the Fire Services National Benevolent Fund:

The FSNBF was born as bombs rained down across the country during the dark days of WWII when brave members of the Auxiliary and National Fire Service fought daily to save lives, businesses and homes. Unfortunately, many paid the ultimate price, leaving behind widows and orphans with no means of support. The FSNBF's first priority was to help them.

Firefighting and rescue work is still inherently dangerous and, although accidents and fatalities are thankfully now not an everyday occurrence, firefighters still face physical and physiological problems resulting from the work they do day in, day out. Their families also continue to require support when this demanding career creates difficulties financially or as a result of their family member's injury or illness.

The FSNBF has responded to these changing needs by dramatically improving and increasing the number of people it cares for and the grants and facilities it can now offer including rehabilitation, therapy, recuperation and financial grants. However, without the generous support from the public and their supporters, the Fund could not continue to provide these vital benefits to Fire Service personnel or their families.

My training so far:

The preparation for this run has been harder than even i expected. Trying to motivate myself on those frosty mornings or those dark, minus wind chilling evenings, i must admit has been hard work. Not to mention the luxuries i have had to go without - giving up drinking for 3 weeks has been the hardest!! But as a result of my tenacity, i am up to running 12 miles at a very good pace. I am aiming to finish the Reading Half Marathon in under 2 hours, my personal goal in 1hr 50mins. I am currently at 8 min 30 sec miles.

If any of you have a couple of screws out of place and fancy a stroll in the park, my forthcoming Training days and distances are:

Tuesday 19th Feb - 9miles

Thursday 21st Feb - 12miles

Saturday 23rd Feb - 9miles

Monday 25th Feb - 6miles

Tuesday 26th Feb - 10miles

Thursday 28th Feb - 13miles.

Potentially Saturday 1st March an easy 3 miles to get the legs moving for the following day.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dip your arms into those long pockets and at a click of a button you are making this painstaking run more worthwhile for me and more importantly - the FSNBF.

: Fire Services National Benevolent Fund will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks for your support and your time in reading the above.

If you would like to support me, the race is starting at 10:05 and its finishing line is in the magnificent, Premier League, Madejski Stadium (Reading FC's Stadium).