I DID IT !!!!!!! - 4h 8mins . . . see latest update below

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

I have to say a huge thank you to all who have sponsored me so far and for all the comments you've put. It's a big source of encouragement and motivation, although some of you seem more optimistic than I about how quickly I can cover 26 miles !

I'll be running all 26.2 miles of the London Marathon on April 13th 2008 to prove that I can and to raise some dosh. My sister Kim is the inspiration for the choice of charity and hope to see her and as many friends that can make it to the finish !!

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

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.

Kevin

17th Feb 2008: Having broken the 18 mile barrier you'd think training would be easy now but trying to fit in the long runs is getting harder. Having the beauty of Rutland Water to run around is a good motivator ! Two races coming up next month - Oakley 20 miler and March 15 should help keep the focus . . .

21st Feb 2008: Feeling tired, aching and pounding head . . and that's before the run ! . . . force myself to get changed and go running - 8 miles tonight. 5 minutes into the run and the headache is gone and I'm feeling energised . . so much of the challenge is in your head . . .

27th Feb 2008: Injured knee has kept me out of my running shoes for a few days . . running numbers received for next months races so no getting away from training now !!

2nd Mar 2008: Just about to sneak out after ensuring mother's day preperations have been carried out. I'm surprised how hard it is at this stage to run - I thought I would love to run by now but it's still a real challenge to get out there . . . I'm off to Rutland water now . . . running to it, round it and back (hopefully) . . . must make it back for lunch !!

9th Mar 2008: March 15 miles done and Oakley 20 miles to do next weekend then running down the miles ready for the marathon ! 1hr 55 today - 15 minutes off my previous best - good to know I'm making some progress ! What a lonely race though - not one I'd do again . . .

16th Mar 2008: What a wash out ! I wasn't sure whether to run or swim at one point when the road we were running up became a fast flowing river !! Started slow and finished fast (mainly because of my competitive streak as a local club runner tried to overtake me on the last mile - I hate being overtaken at the end of a race !). A great confidence boost to know you still have something in the tank at the end of 20 miles. I'm now looking forward to the marathon . . .

7th April 2008: Tapering down now ready for Sunday . . just as well as I'm knackered ! . . . apparently it's normal to feel like that when you stop doing long runs . . doesn't make sense to me but it stops me panicking ! I must be crazy cos I'm REALLY looking forward to Sunday and intend making the most of every minute of it. Thanks again for all your support and I'll update the site again after the race . . as soon as I can coordinate my limbs again !

14th April 2008: Well I finished in 4h 8mins - sorry to those of you who thought I'd do it quicker but trust me there was only vapour in the tank at the end !! I struggled from 15 miles and have the fantastic crowds and my family to thank for keeping me going. They made every runner feel like a superstar and they were always there when you needed them (and I did). Running the London marathon is the most amazing experience of my life so far because of the obvious challenge, but more so because of incredible support the crowds give to perfect strangers (in the pooring rain !). I enjoyed every second of the day - from exchanging running jokes on a crowded train to Blackheath, soaking up the atmosphere of the start, running in a daze in amazement at actually running in a race I've watched so many times and wanted to be part of, taking in the sites and sounds of the carnival like atmosphere (and boy there were some sights !!), to starting to feel the pain and realisation of the battle that lay ahead, realizing that the crowd are tuned into who needs their help and being so thankful for it, searching the crowds for the faces I longed to see and wondering whether I'd missed them, slowing to a walk coming out of the tunnel and having my name chanted to get running again and then cheered when I did (thank you to that man sitting on the wall), seeing my family at 24 miles and dodging the other runners to cross over to see them (and crashing into the barrier in the process !) - it was so good to see them, then it was easy (ish) and I had a smile on my face to the finish and the unbelievable emotions of crossing that finish line. Thank you to everyone who supported me in training, support, encouragement and sponsorship - I fulfilled a lifetime dream yesterday.