Thanks for visiting the Myositis Support Group LONDON MARATHON fundraising page.

You are reading it right, Les Oakley MBE, chairman of the Myositis Support Group and aged 60 years is running this years London Marathon as the charity's Silver Bond Runner. Also running are David Edwards, Frank Littler and Ann-Marie Rampley who obtained their places in the public ballot.

They are running in the London Marathon to raise awareness and money for the Myositis Support Group. If you wish to find out more about this illness and the fantastic work the charity does please visit www.myositis.org.uk

Les was not originally running the marathon as the Silver Bond place had been awarded to Paul Stiles a younger and fitter chap. He had hoped to raise a substantial amount of money for the charity. He set up his fund raising page on just giving and had already raised £1,230 when his work situation altered and he reluctantly had to withdraw. However he will continue to help raise sponsors for the runners. So, by default, Les is stepping into the Silver Bond Place and bought some training shoes. Although he has a beer belly and a love of food his training is in full swing and apart from dramatically falling off his bicycle on black ice and ripping the ligaments in his shoulder just after Christmas as well as being chased by dogs in the park, his preparations are going well!

*Sponsors Wanted*
The London Marathon is one of the key fundraising activities of the Support Group and raises valuable funds every year. We would like to make this an extraordinary year! Les is looking for Company/Business Sponsorship, which in the current economic climate is understandably not easy. If your company or business would like to sponsor Les please let us know and we will be able to profile your company/business on the Charity website and place a logo with a link to your company website as a thank-you.

Sponsor Forms can be obtained from the Myositis Support Group and online sponsorship can be done here on this Just Giving Page.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Myositis Support Group gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

*Supporters Wanted*
We want YOU to help SPREAD THE WORD

The more people hear about Les and the London Marathon 2009 the more sponsorship we are likely to raise and in turn pump more funds into research of these miserable diseases. 

On Facebook you can become a "Fan" of Les (just search Les Oakley - London Marathon 2009 & Myositis Support Group) and add the Just Giving Application to your Facebook Profile to keep up to date on the money being raised.

Les would also love to hear from you. If you have comments, advice or messages please leave a message on his Facebook Wall or email Les and we will post them in his Blog on the Charity Website.

Many many thanks!