That’s brilliant news…oh shit!

My first words on being told I have been awarded a place in this year’s London Marathon.  The fantastic news that I had made the ballot and the realisation that it is real, and it is a long long way to run, which equals an awful lot of training and hard miles to succeed.

It all started with...

You are so annoying!

What started off with a slightly drunken chat, when a friend who had started running again said that he’d love to run “the” marathon.  My wife Emma said that I should do it too, but I’d have to train! which I replied with something like ‘whatever’. The discussion progressed and I stated that I could do it now, I could do it with a sprained ankle – just might not get the time I’d like to get. Hence why I was told I am annoying.

My wife Emma then said if I was to do it, could I do it for Maggies.

At that point I had never heard of Maggies and therefore I had no idea about what they do, having found out I hope I never need to visit or need to use them.

Maggie's centres are a network of drop-in centres across the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, which aim to help anyone who has been affected by cancer. They are not intended as a replacement for conventional cancer therapy, but as a caring environment that can provide support, information and practical advice.

Emma found Maggies to be truly amazing, and explained about the support they provided for her and her big sister Michelle who was fighting cancer.  So I applied, and missed out on the 2020 Marathon Ballot, which was a blessing due to the lock down.  I was then offered the chance to apply again for the marathon in 2021, I applied with fingers crossed.  During this time my wife’s sister’s health had taken a huge turn for the worse.

Sadly Michelle lost her battle and passed away in December of 2020, creating a devastating and truly sad event within our family.  In the build-up and subsequent aftermath Maggies were there for my wife Emma and her family.  They were able to offer support and counselling far beyond my skills.

Maggies have requested that I raise £3,000 for the marathon, I’d like to raise as much as possible, I would ask that people donate what they can to fund Maggies so that they can continue to help those in real need of support.

With thousands applying I know what a privilege it is to be able to run the London Marathon and I am grateful to Maggies for selecting me.

So please donate in the memory of an amazing person, for the support they offered my beautiful wife or possibly even more importantly for the people that will need their support.

Leigh

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