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STOP PRESS! I successfully completed the London Marathon in a time of 3:46 ...but we still need your donations to fund the CHAIN minibus, as explained below.

My marathon attempt in support of CHAIN is a very unexpected product of my activities during the Covid crisis. Firstly, in 2021, at the age of 60, and in search of new activities and interests, I joined the couch-to-5km beginners course organised by the Hungerford Hares Running Club. I was very nervous about this as I had not run outside since games lessons back at secondary school! Much to my surprise, I discovered some long hidden aptitude for running and despite minor injuries, I managed to complete the course and go on to enjoy being a regular runner with the Hares. I gradually worked my way up through the distances, 5km, 10km and completed a couple of half marathons in 2022. My running activity changed gear dramatically when my name was drawn out of the hat for the Hungerford Hares place in the 2023 London Marathon. Having only just achieved half-marathon distances, (and thinking they were exhausting!), getting up to the full marathon distance is proving a massive commitment with a gruelling 16 weeks of training.

The second part of my story is that in 2021 I also volunteered to become a CHAIN Handybus driver, as they were in short supply due to the Covid-era health isolations. Initially, I was helping to deliver large numbers of food parcels in Hungerford and the surrounding area, but as the restrictions eased and normal services resumed, I drove passengers to vaccination centres, therapy sessions, hospitals and on shopping trips. This reinforced my opinion of what a vital charity CHAIN is, getting people out of their homes and to essential destinations, and in the process, combating isolation, loneliness and depression. It is little surprise that in 2003 CHAIN was awarded one of the first Queen's Golden Jubilee Awards for voluntary service in the community.

CHAIN is entirely reliant on donations and the combined efforts of its volunteers, many of whom use their own vehicles to get passengers  to vital appointments. CHAIN has two specialist vehicles, the Chairman for single wheelchair passengers, and the Handybus, which is the mainstay of our multi-passenger transport. The Handybus has been a great asset, but it will soon be ready for replacement. This presents a major fundraising challenge for CHAIN; which is why I am linking my marathon challenge to it.

Personally, I need every ounce of support and encouragement to run those 26.2 miles that await me in London. Please consider making a donation to CHAIN, and every one of you that does will be boosting my motivation to succeed, and I will imagine you all cheering me on!

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.