Hi Guys,

I have some good news and some bad news, the bad news is that I will not be running the London Marathon due to an injury which I am afraid will just not heal in time for the big day, the good news is that  I have been able to swap my London place for a place in the Berlin Marathon later on this year (September the 28th) :)

I am hoping to stay focused although that will be difficult as times have changed; I am now the proud father of a little boy named Jaigo :)

Firstly I would like to thank Mark Edmonds (Team GB Iron-Man and masseur) and Julie Gear (Physio), Cannons finest, for getting me back on track and nursing me through my injury in particular to Mark for helping me achieve my PB of 3:26:50 last time around with a near perfect race strategy. I will be hoping for more of the same come September :) especailly after running a PB in the Bristol half marathon on the 14th of September (1:33:10), see image :)

It seems that if you are to make it big these days you need to hire a South African, sorry KP but you just missed the cut so to speak, the person who didn't is Mr Greg Edwards. I would just like to say thank you dude for getting me out for those lunchtime runs around St. James’ Park and for keeping me on my toes J, if I manage to complete a fraction of the marathons/ Ultra’s / Iron-Man events that you have I’ll be proud.

Finally a word to my support crew past and present. To Tim and Justin, my running buddies/ mentors, thanks for putting up a time to aim for; it’s not the same running without you guys. Also to Megan my lovely wife/ nutritionist/ mental coach and life organiser!!! Thanks for being so understanding about me heading off for several hours on my morning runs; for looking after Jaigo and for being such a hard task master when it comes to my diet (I can’t wait to have a packet of Jaffa cakes!!!), to be honest I will never know how you manage it all.

The last word has to go to our tiny son Jaigo; hopefully one day you’ll see this and be reminded that dad wasn’t always fat and round J

Now for the serious part:

This year I have decided to run for Get Kids Going, a charity that helps British disabled children and young people by providing them with personalised sports wheelchairs so that they are able to partake in sporting activities.

Having the chance to play sports has played a very positive part in shaping my life and I strongly believe that this opportunity should be available to everyone. Therefore if like me you would love to make a difference, show me the money!!! :)

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Get Kids Going! will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

I don't expect anyone to make it on race day although I do expect you all to treat me like a god on my return!!! :) 

Let the training begin. 

Vim :)