<p>Five years ago my eldest son Finlay was 13 years old. I had just run the Venice Marathon and was younger and fitter than I am today. "When I am 18 we'll run the New York Marathon together and I'll show you the way home &nbsp; Finlay said- so the wager was agreed. Now he is 18 and about to start at Newcastle University and I am approaching 50 .The body is creaking and not made to do this anymore but there is no turning back.&nbsp;</p> <p>Our friend Dave Fraser was involved in a motorcycle accident a few years ago. He suffered a serious spinal cord injury. After his accident Dave was supported&nbsp;by a charity called 'The Back-Up Trust' which helps people with spinal cord injuries realise their potential. "Back Up" organises wheelchair skills courses, runs a mentoring scheme and provides sports courses for people with spinal cord injuries. Finlay and I have decided to raise money for The Back-Up Trust when we run the New York marathon.</p> <p>Ashley</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Being the competitive man he is, my dad has always challenged me, and bet with me that he could beat me in many different activities and sports. "Ill bet you I can beat you in a marathon," he told me when I was thirteen - and I laughed! Now that I am eighteen I have finally found out how physically draining is the training for a marathon.</p> <p>I'm extremely pleased to be running this marathon, not just to beat my dad, but more importantly, to raise money for 'The Back-Up Trust'.&nbsp;I'm very excited to be able to raise money for such an amazing charity, and hopefully in the process I will be able to beat my dad to the finish line.</p> <p>Finlay</p>