THE AIM: 

• To complete the 2017 Berlin Marathon. All 42.2 bowel-churning, knee-grinding kilometres of it. That's 26.2 miles to all you metric system-phobes. It's also my first marathon.
  

THE REASON: 

• To raise money for Positively UK, a  valuable and inspirational organisation whom I've been doing voluntary work for since early 2016. Since their humble beginnings 30 years ago they'be been providing support, advice and guidance to men, women and young people from all walks of life who are living with HIV. The emotional, psychological and physical impact of an HIV diagnosis is devastating and over the years the peer-led support Positively UK have sought to provide those affected is immense and often life-changing. 
• To satisfy a misplaced desire for fulfillment, brought on by a mid-life crisis of sorts.

That I've got you reading this far is testament to what an awesome human being you are. Your support would mean so much to me and it'll surely get me through the second half of the race where the full effects of this comic and masochistic endeavour will be played out for the whole of Berlin to see (and hopefully not laught at). So dig deep in your pockets and support this great charity. In exchange I will commit every fibre of my being to completing the marathon. Even if it means doing some of it on all-fours.

I love you all. Stay gold.

Alx

N.B. The eagle-eyed amongst you may be wondering why I don't have a photo of me running in full flight. Like a gazelle in all it's grace and glory. That would be because I look the total opposite of that. Instead I offer you a picture of me shoving a sticky pastry in my mouth at a well-renowned sporting event. It's relevant in its own nonsensical way.

If you'd like to find out more about Positively UK, please visit their website for more information: http://positivelyuk.org/