About 10 years ago I met John Paul Clarke at work...I remember his massive smile, super friendly energy, his dark suit his bright white shirt and an even brighter red tie.  John (or Clarkie as he became known in our office) was our new trader in Bailey Coates...and so was the start of a strong wonderful friendship.  It's impossible to sum clarkie up in a few words...kind, generous, honest, wise, patient, loving, focussed, successful, tenacious ...but for me it was his support of me when everyone else thought I was crazy, his loyalty in keeping his word and promises, his unselfish willingness to help and mostly a gentle spirit with a strong soul.  Just over a year a go he was taken from us in a motorbike accident and it will be a day that I shall never forget.  After the shock came confusion followed by immense anger and regret.  Finally came sadness and eventually acceptance.  I'm doing this as a way to show my love  and my appreciation for all that he ever did for me ...something that I feel I will always be in arrears for.... But also once upon a time clarkie couldn't stop laughing because I wanted to take a cab from Berkeley Square to Claridges...especially when the cabbie told me a very clear "NO" ....so clarkie my dear I'm sorry I wouldn't walk the 200 metres for you back then ... But on 10th May I will run 13 miles!!

So if you know how much this person means to me or you think the fact that me doing this is just plain silly... Please give all that you can... Funds raised will go towards John's foundation where all the money will go to Hackney Quest.

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