Thanks for everone's support. Completed the marathon in 5 hours 35 minutes, which included running through 17 villages along the way! Great atmosphere with fancy dress and local musicians playing, plus the opportunity to sample local cuisine and wines along the route. It was very hot with temperatures in the late twenties but well organised with plenty of water stations. Hopefully will have some photos to post here soon. Still time to donate if you haven't done so already.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. See link to the course - looks a bit hilly! http://www.marathon-alsace.com/courses/marathon.htm

I decided to run a marathon in order to raise money for Diabetes U.K. I chose this particular charity as I have personal reasons to appreciate the work they do. Because of them my son, Tom, who you may know works on reception and in the restaurant at Heworth Court B&B and is now 20 years old, has had help in coping with diabetes, having being diagnosed with 'type 1' at the age of 13 years old. I have since come to realise that both types of diabetes are quite common and would like to help with further research and support.

I've had an ambition to run a marathon for a few years now and this has given me the extra incentive I need. Having only run a half marathon before this will be a big challenge for me and I am very grateful for any support you can give!

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.