9 months ago as Tim and I were strolling through St James Park, I made what was potentially the most stupid decision I have ever made in my 24 years on this planet.  I hated running, always came last in school races and used to beg and plead to my mum to write me a note to say I couldn't  take part in Sports Day.  But that day I decided I was going to run 26.2 miles in the London Marathon, and in a moment of madness Tim said he'd join me.

Thank goodness he did.  Now, with only 3 weeks to go, I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for all his support.  It has been tough and there have been more than a few tears.  Not only would it have been a very lonely journey, but I'm sure I wouldn't have made it this far without all his advice and encouragement.

We started our training last September, I started by going for brisk walks - I could only run for 45 seconds at a time.  We have battled through the winter months, braving the icy cold, wind and rain, suffered runner's nail, shin splints, bad knees and groin strains... Plus we haven't had a drop of alcohol for 9 weeks!!  We have spent our weekends running 16-18 miles one day and recovering the whole of the next. 

What this experience has made me realise is that ANYONE can do it - I'm living proof of it.  All that is needed is the motivation.  I was inspired by the bravery of my friend, William Bashford, who lost his 9 month battle with leukaemia last year.  He was such a wonderfully quirky character, fantastically talented artist and generally one of the most intelligent people I will ever have the privilege of calling a friend.  Best of all, I never remember a time when he wasn't happy and grinning.  When he died I felt an urge to do something worthwhile in his memory, and it is therefore for him that we will both be crossing that line on the 23rd of this month.

As well as the hard slog of both physical and mental training we have been working hard to raise money, and we would both like to thank all our sponsors.  We have been overwhelmed by the generous support of our family, friends and colleagues, and would especially like to thank all the students and staff at The Hayesbrook School where I teach, for their help.  Unless you have done something like this yourself, you will have no idea how motivating it is to see the total go up.  Following some press coverage we have also received donations from complete strangers, along with some very kind notes of encouragement.

Our final message is that the past 9 months has been an incredible experience and the day itself promises to be highly memorable (make sure you look out for us in our special maroon "Running for Will" t-shirts).  As the article on my bedroom wall reads: 

"The London Marathon is the Suburban Everest.  We are so lucky to have the chance to climb it.  And maybe to think a little more about those who can't."

With only 20 days to go until the gun fires, this is our final plea for sponsorship.  This page will close on Marathon day.  Please take 5 minutes to give a little - all pennies add up to save lives.

Thank you again so much for reading and for all your support - it's going to be painful, but we WILL cross that line!

Best wishes,

Julie Bevan & Tim Dunford