Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In July 2015 whilst cycling home from work I collided with a bus and sustained a C3 to C5 spinal cord injury. I was initially paralysed from the chest down and spent 3 months in various spinal units in Nottingham and Sheffield. Luckily with a great deal of support and encouragement from friends, family, physio and occupational therapists I learnt to walk again. This took a massive physical and emotional effort as well as huge determination. There were some dark days but with SIAs hospital visits and support they showed me there was life after spinal cord injury. I feel very lucky that I am able to walk, cycle and do some sports although I have a permanent disability. My balance is poor and I have limited sensation from the chest down making running very difficult. Having been a spectator at last years London Marathon I was inspired to enter in 2019 race to raise money and awareness for the charity that gave so much to me and my family at a very traumatic time. 

Training went really well. I’ve worn out my first pair of trainers! Me and my running partner, Melanie Sanderson and two fellow marathon runners, Sophia and Mick, ran 22 miles as the longest training run. Then a couple of weeks ago, with James and Ross, I ran round Rutland Water, as the last big training run before the marathon day. Since then we have eased off, giving our legs a bit of a rest. Although, I managed a cheeky 11 miler in beautiful Orford. 

On the Saturday I collected my running pack with my number 41361. Then went to check out how to get to Greenwich for the start tomorrow. This all felt surreal but also so exciting. 

On a cool Sunday we lined up at Greenwich Park and at 10.58 we set off. 26 miles and 5 hours 47 minutes later I finished the marathon. Receiving my medal and meeting up with my friends and family who cheered me on and managed to meet me 6 times on the way was a wonderful moment. 

I am humbled by everyone’s generosity.Thank you all for sponsoring me to run and complete the London Marathon raising £4000 for such a worthwhile cause.

Thank you .

Simon