Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. I intend to run my first ever marathon in order to raise money for a small but very worthy charity called Charterhouse-in-Southwark.  The charity works in the London borough of Southwark where some of London’s most disadvantaged people live virtually in the shadow of the City and its big earners.  The charity does a great job of, among other things, providing centres for young people who might otherwise roam the streets; these are decent young people and if they can avoid the criminal justice system, they have a chance of making something of their lives.  Having seen the system at work first hand in recent years when my own son was mugged twice, I know how depressing the cycle can be.

In terms of stats, I have never run this far before so difficult to know.  On reflection, I am not sure that I have ever taken a flight this far.  I have eschewed the popular but faddish “personal trainer” approach; I just found the sniggering too off-putting.  I had rather hoped that the pounds would be falling off me as I trained.  It would seem not so I can take comfort from the knowledge that I have ample fuel on board!  By the way, am I wrong to think that we overweight participants should be given a bit of a head start?  I have an informal target of 4 hours and forty five minutes (roughly 11 minute miles).  In my optimistic moments, that seems reasonable however when I get a burst of reality, I wonder if a same day finish would not be a more realistic target… 

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Charterhouse-In-Southwark will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please take a moment to reflect on how fortunate you have been in life and how you can make a difference to others.  Dig deep and sponsor me now.  Whether your motives are pure or you just enjoy the idea of my suffering, I will be grateful for all support!

Many thanks for taking the time to read this.  

LATEST NEWS - IT'S ALL OVER.  THE OFFICIAL SCORER SAYS 4HRS 40MINS 10SECS.  IT WAS A LOT OF HARD WORK TO GET MYSELF IN SHAPE FOR THIS BUT IT WAS DEFINITELY ALL WORTH IT. A VERY EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE THAT I AM GLAD TO HAVE HAD. I HAVE ONE FINAL WORD FOR ALL OF YOU AND IT COMES FROM MY VERY CORE:

OUCH!