Well, the London Marathon has happened as has a small miracle!   Amazing though it is, I successfully reached the finish line in 5hrs and 31 minutes!!!  Much better than I, and everyone else, had anticipated!  This, I am convinced, was due to so many people praying for me.  Someone told me just before the marathon that I reminded them of Brother Andrews' VW Beetle.....when it ran out of petrol the car ran on prayer, quite literally.  I do believe that was the case for myself!  I appreciate that it is not a particularly fast time, but I was never aiming for a target Personal Best, but more Personal Survival!  I did keep ahead of the clear up team and the scoop up buses, and did not have to drop out, which was a real concern.

This was my first marathon, and I must admit that my training was truly minimal over a period of 2 months..... not straightforward or desirable, and as a result I felt horribly sick at the start line up.  What crazy thing was I about to undertake after only ten sessions in the gym and a 9 mile run around our local park!  (Do not follow my example!)  But thanks to the prayers of so many people like yourselves, I was able to take it at a slow, steady pace and arrive at the finish line in one piece virtually.  (One of my toenails had completely come out of its' bed, but I didn't even notice until I reached home).  

As I ran, I reminded myself of a verse which had been in one of my readings earlier in the month...."Run with endurance the race that is set before us", Hebrews 12:1.  Also, I had music playing from my mobile phone...the CD "Saving Grace" which had been a gift to me from co-workers at New Wine last year.  The tracks were incredibly uplifting and appropriate for the race, including one titled "Bones"!!!  I can recommend it to anyone taking part in a major running event who needs inspiration.

Of course the crowds were fantastic and so encouraging in so many ways, and the cream on the cake was seeing my dear family there to cheer me on and give me big hugs, lemonade and sweet edibles!  I think I spent at least 20 minutes socialising!  My ample supplies of jelly beans, jelly babies, dextrose tablets and carb gels came in very useful when several runners I happened upon were lacking energy.  Being a nurse, I could not ignore an ailing comrade!  It was all very friendly and we each helped each other as the need arose.  Towards the end.....the last two miles to be precise...I thought I was going to be sick quite unexpectedly, and God sent me an Angel called Teresa.  We ended up finishing together, holding hands over the finish line.  An emotional and humbling experience.  

At the finish the USPG Team were waiting for us under tree U, with our dear families.  How lovely this was.  Chairs, food, drink, goody bags and much joy!  A right royal reception!  Thank you USPG Team!  I will never forget this day, and crazy though this may sound, I would love to do it again, God willing, but with proper training beforehand!  (I should also say that the entire event was really well organised by Virgin...exceptional....they really thought of everything and it was a finely tuned exercise.  Many thanks to them!) 

As I mentioned before, I have worked as a volunteer nurse/midwife in Kenya, and I have witnessed the hardships that people in this country have to endure.  I was also aware of the positive impact on peoples' lives brought about by generous financial mission donations.  I would love to return to Africa one day as I left part of me behind in Kenya!  I was very happy to be run for the healthcare project in Upper Shire, Malawi, and maybe one day I will have the opportunity to visit this country and the project concerned.  Watch this space!

If you would still like to send sponsorship money,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.

Finally, a HUGE THANKS to everyone who has sponsored me so far.  Your donations have helped me exceed my target, which is brilliant for the Malawi project.  Masses of appreciation too for your MANY kind messages.  I felt priviliged to be part of this special event and on the receiving end of so many well wishes and promises of prayers for the day.  I know that thinking of you all, and the people in Malawi for whom I ran, was my inspiration and helped me complete the 26 plus miles.  When I worked in Kenya, people walked many miles carrying sick relatives just to see a doctor or attend a health centre for treatment.  Distance was not a deterrant, and they did not have the luxuries of carbo gels, lucozade sport, energy bars or frequent handouts of sterile bottled water to keep them going.  I am certain that this is equally the case in Malawi and I had prayed that the courage and resilience of these people would spur me on.  And it did.  

God bless you all, and thanks a million.

Best wishes from Verity