[UPDATE - 28/10/08 - Well we did it!  It was a very very soggy Sunday morning in Portsmouth, however, grim determination and the knowledge of why we were doing it kept us all going.

Mr Clatworthy came in just behind Paula Radcliffe ...and Miss Gibbons finished just before the soldiers pulling a landrover!!!  Ria couldn't pull away from the might of Chuffy's beard so was dragged across the finish line with him.  Alice and Dave were both not far from Clatters up with the 'superfast squad' - gits!  Ash prevented any chaffing by ensuring he was well lubed up, something that Gordy perhaps should have remembered to do too.  A HUGE thanks to Jim Orr, Nicci and Monty who very kindly came and supported despite the rain - nice one!

Donations are still very very welcome, lets see if we can make it to £1000 now ;-) !!!]

[ORIGINAL TEXT We (Rosie, Gordon, Clatters, Ria, Dave S, Chuffy, Ash, Dan M and Alice) for some bizarre reason thought it would be a great idea a few months ago to sign ourselves up for the Great South Run, a 10 Mile run in Portsmouth.  3 months and little/no training later it has just dawned on us that we ARE actually running and it wasn't a figment of our imagination.  Arrgh!

As you know, the wonderful Karen Elsey very sadly died in September last year of Leukemia.   We have therefore decided that as a team we will attempt to complete the Great South Run in memory of Karen.

Karen was an amazing person, who is massively missed by everyone who knew her.  Most of the team have also known Karen's husband Steve for over 10 years, since our early days at Thorpe Park, so this challenge will be an absolute honour.

Karen received specialist treatment for her leukemia at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.  This is also where she passed away.  The treatment and care that Karen received was first class, therefore we have decided to raised some money and awareness for the Royal Marsden through this event.  I'm sure you will agree, it is a very worthy cause.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

We hope to thoroughly enjoy the day (despite the shin splints, sprains dehydration etc ) as well as celebrate and remember Karen in a fun way, just as she would have wanted.  Thank you so much for your support.]

Rosie, Gordon, Graham, Ria, Dave, Chris, Dan, Ash and Alice