I was supposed to run the London Marathon in April 2020 but it got impacted by the COVID pandemic.  I ran it on my own around the lanes in East Devon on the day it should have taken place and again, as part of the Virtual London Marathon in October 2020.  I deferred my "real" place to October 2022, so finally, 2.5 years late, I will be running the London Marathon!

One of the friends I have made as a runner was Mark Soutar (pictured), an energetic and athletic Scotsman.  Beyond that, he was above all a kind and gentle man, epitomised by when a group of us ran the full 40 mile length of the East Devon Way: he would hang at the back of the group to encourage and motivate the lesser mortals amongst us.

Mark was tragically taken from us in Autumn 2019 but he won’t be forgotten.  I’m running the London Marathon and hope to be guided by his generous spirit.