Story
OK - So here is the latest update. Unfortunately I have sustained a suspected stress fracture in my right foot. With 4 days to go to the London Marathon it would seem to be the considered opinion that I would be mad to continue. Really disappointing for me, but I have spoke to all my sponsors and they are happy to continue to support Mesothelioma - what a great bunch!
So here is whats next:
- I am hoping to get this set back sorted as soon as possible
- BUPA 10,000 end of May
- Southend Half Marathon June
- Canary Wharf 10K June
- New Forest 10K (or maybe Half) in September
Having just received another very generous donation for Mesothelioma UK from Allan Stevens and his lovely family I thought it only fair to give everyone an update. Since my last long run on the 29th March I have had a pain in my lower leg which to be frank has made just walking hard work. At times both legs feel like they completely cramp up and the pain is excruciating. I have been seeing a physio twice a week for the past two weeks and had complete rest. The worry is I'm seeing no real improvement at the moment and with 12 days to go I am concerned that I may not be capable of fulfilling this marathon dream. The plan is to take this right to the wire and assess my condition on 24/04. I'm bitterly disappointed to be in this position after putting in so much effort into my training and receiving so much support for myself and Mesothelioma UK from my family and friends. I will keep you posted on my progress and fingers crossed I will see Paul Garland, Kelly Tapp and all my friends from BRC at the start line on the 26th. Hard writing this, no one likes admitting failure.
I have been fortunate enough to get a Virgin Money London Marathon place. Since securing the place I have been frantically trying to build up my mileage, without risking an injury (or so I thought) to try and ensure that I do not blow-out on the day. This will be my first (probably only) marathon…
To mark this challenge I would like to raise some money for a charity that is very close to my heart. Back in 2008 I lost my father to an asbestos related disease called Mesothelioma (http://www.mesothelioma.uk.com/information-and-support/about-mesothelioma/). It is said that this disease can be contracted from a single fibre of asbestos which can reside in the lungs for 30 years before becoming malignant. Typically this type of cancer is contracted by people in the building and plumbing trades where they are disturbing pre-existing asbestos structures or insulation. In my dad’s case the source was traced back to asbestos sheets that were being sawn in office where he worked 40 years before his diagnosis.
Currently 2000 people are dying of Mesothelioma in the UK per year, treatment is very limited and diagnosis is inconsistent.
Mesothelioma UK (http://www.mesothelioma.uk.com/) have set up support groups across the UK to offer a range of resources for those affected by the disease and for the people supporting them. This could be in the form of Patient Information, Legal Advice, Benefits assistance and importantly Research into diagnosis and cures.
Mesothelioma UK were particularly helpful to my family and I would like the opportunity, with your help, to give something back.
If you can donate that would be fantastic, but a few messages of support will I’m sure help me along the 26.2 mile route.
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.