For those of you who have been generous in the past you may know that this is my 27^th Marathon and my 25^th consecutive London Marathon.

However, this year will be different in several ways:

Firstly, due to COVID-19, for the first time ever, the London Marathon will be run individually, joining 45,000 runners together up and down the country – and across the world – in the virtual 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon, The 40th Race, on Sunday 4 October.  The 26.2 mile challenge will be monitored and recorded by a specially developed app for every participant who will have 23 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds to complete it.

Secondly, I am recovering from the Coronavirus (March–June) – better, but still short of breath, no taste or smell.

Thirdly, during this time I developed a rare autoimmune condition called ‘Pyoderma Gangrenosum’.  It resulted from a small cut on my leg which didn’t heal.  It became a flesh-consuming monster that threatened my leg.  Thanks to heavy doses of steroids and antibiotics for the last 5 months, it is beginning to improve.  I am way out of shape (plus 2 stone because of the drugs) and less fit than ever.

In other words, this is going to be more of a hop, skip and a limp than a run.

This year I am running on behalf of the Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, in recognition of the fantastic treatment I have received (and continue to receive) from the NHS and Ipswich Hospital.  On Sunday 4 October I will be shuffling myself around the perimeter of Ipswich Hospital, in ‘scrubs’, as many times as it takes to reach my 26.2 mile goal.

Our NHS is made up of 1.3 million people who care for the people of this country with skill, compassion and dedication – more so now than ever.

Every single one of us has benefitted from this service.  In my own  family over the years we have probably used almost all possible departments - my mother and father, my mother-in-law and father-in-law, my wife, my son, myself.

Keeping us safe.  Never more so than this year when the Coronavirus hit so hard.  The weekly applause was heartfelt but now is the time to do more than clap.

The Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity raises money to improve facilities, fund new equipment, provide additional services, support staff development and initiate local medical research and innovative projects at The East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust. Every donation is greatly appreciated and makes a real and positive difference to the experience of being in hospital.

Donating through Just Giving is simple, fast, and totally secure.  They will 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.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my page.