"I WILL NEVER BE DOING THAT AGAIN"....those were my own words approximately 10 months ago when i completed the 2017 London Marathon.

I genuinely meant it!

What has changed you may ask...those who know me will know i'm one of the most competitive people no matter what i am doing. Its not worth doing unless there is a shiny medal or trophy at the end of it.

An opportunity arose to do this madness one more time and as much as i wanted to say no...i couldn't physically do it so here we are again. The cold Saturday mornings running around Thurrock in the rain, sleet and snow. The throbbing knees at the end of every run alongside the blisters and cramp.

Last year was though, one of the most rewarding, fulfilling things i have ever achieved and the high points (however few) far outweigh the negatives.

I was lucky enough to complete last years Marathon alongside the rest of our team from Paragon and i never imagined the feeling and buzz you receive on the day. The crowd support is out of this world and pushes you along during the dark tough moments.

On that note, at mile 23 will be the Saint Francis team and they are brilliant! The hugs and encouragement you get at that point are what pushes you to the end and they appreciated every effort you make as the runner and every donation that is donated to the cause by you guys.

The team there do a wonderful job, every one of them and they deserve every penny we can raise and more because of everything that results from all of our efforts. The have an immensely difficult job and they do so much good for the last moments of life for friends and family.

I'm asking for your support just one more time so please help me hit my target. I am going to beat last years 4h 12min finish time by breaking the 4hr mark this time round.