Hi, as I'm sure you already know as you've found your way to my JustGiving page I am currently in training to "run" the Stroud Half Marathon on Sunday 23 October.
 

I will be running in memory of my Dad who we lost to Pancreatic Cancer in October 2009. I remember back in my youth (yes I have got a good memory) my Dad took part in the Cheltenham half marathon year after year - he managed to finish last every single time as he walked the whole distance, but year after year he was the top fundraiser. He also took part in the Cotswold Charity Bike Ride on what must have been the oldest bike you have ever seen, again he was always one of, if not the, top fundraiser
 

I thought I would try and emulate him, by this I mean by taking part in a half marathon - not finishing last in one, whilst at the same time raising as much money as possible for a very worthwhile cause - although if you speak to Clare she will tell you the way my training is currently going, I will be struggling to beat my Dad's best time.
 

I will be running for the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund who are a national charity dedicated to supporting research to improve diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. You will be shocked to learn that the survival rate for this cruel disease is just 3% and is the only cancer that has seen no improvement in the last 40 years. 
 

Experience with other cancers has shown that increasing the awareness of the disease and raising more funding for research can have a huge impact on overcoming the desease.
 

That's where you come in. Please dig deep and make a donation, however small as every penny counts.
 

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.
 

Many thanks
 

Steve

UPDATE (3 Oct) 20 days to go. I am up to 8.5 miles 3 times a week at the moment but the last week has been a struggle - had to visit the physio today due to not completing all three of last weeks runs without having to stop. This was due to considerable pain in my knee!  turns out I have Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome which effects the knee cap.

I wont bore you with the detail but I have been given excercises to complete every day and advised to continue my running but at a slower speed (should not be a problem!!).

Just thought I would let you know how things were going and to thank everybody who has already sponsored me and to thank you - as I hope you are just about to sponsor me.

16 October - One week to go !

Had to revert to the treadmill now so not so much pressure on knees. Still only managing between 5 and 6 miles before the knee trouble is back though.  It looks like I will have to slow jog if I'm to have any chance of running all 13 miles. Think this would be the best I can hope for - I have a feeling that I will be walking some of it due to the pain!

Thanks again for your support - I really am looking forward to a few beers after the run !

19 October - I now have a Patella Support Band to help with my knee - ran my final six miles before the run itself tonight and the suppport did appear to help a little so you never know I may get to run the whole distance yet!

Well I did it and managed to run (or atleast jog) the whole distance. Both my knees played up but not enough to stop me. I managed a time of 2 hours 17 mins, which all things considered I was pretty happy with.

 

That just leaves me to say thank you so much for everyones sponsorship and support, your generosity is much appreciated and I really cant believe how much money has been raised - I know dad would have been proud - although he probably would have told me he could have raised more !!!