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I'm running the 2011 Virgin London Marathon in order to raise money for the Nightingale Old People's Home in South West London.  I got to know the Nightingale two years ago when my dad Morris moved in.  I was shocked and gladened to discover the Nightingale really wanted to give Morris and his 199 fellow residents the dignity, stimulation and care everyone deserves in their old age. 

However, it's a huge struggle.  Like all care homes the difference between council funding and actual cost is ever increasing.  And the Nightingale budget deficit grows apace with even the standard of basic care threatened by staff cuts.

Sadly, this is everyone's future. With 10 million of us alive today expected to live to over 100 years we desperately need to create sustainable care projects for older people that make life worth living.

I  really really understand that everyone is feeling financially overstretched these days.  And please don't think this money if for Morris.  Morris luckily has a pension that covers the cost of his care.  Most people - probably you and me - don't. But everything counts - even a small amount.  I thank you in advance for your donation.

Training Progress:  As of the week of 24.1.11 I'm up to sixteen miles or twice round Richmond Park.  On the advice of more experienced runners I found a sachet of something horrid in water and three wine gums at mile eight very helpful. 

2.2.11 Not quite so far this week. Maybe a generous 12 miles - down to Richmond Park from the windmill on Wimbledon Common, once round the park and back to the Windmill.  My 45 year old knees are beginning to protest.  Found a photo of me running the New York Marathon in 1992.  I have to admit I look quite different now but will I be much slower than 4 hours 11?

9.2.11  More than 12 less than 16 but fast ish.  Same route as last week  but I took the long way back to the Windmill around the Wimbledon Golf Club side of the common. Asda orange energy drink after one hour and two wine gums half an hour later.  Could have carried on running with more wine gums!  Brighton half marathon on Sunday 20th Feb 1 hour 57 mins - 6 wine gums and one bottle of lucazade sport!

 

The photo of my trainers includes Simon's slippers who wants his hours of childcare in my training absences represented.

Nicola

 

 

 

Nicola

 

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