The Athens Marathon. A long pending item on my bucket list has finally become a reality, thanks to loose talk, and a friend who called my bluff!

Why Athens? Whether or not Pheidippides existed in 490 BC Greece (who supposedly ran from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to report the Greek victory) this is where the marathon was born. The idea to follow this iconic route has always appealed to me, apart from the fact that it is widely considered to be one of the hardest major marathon routes (thanks to its many uphill sections)!

If that was not challenging enough, the 9 November race day, falls just over a year since I had foot surgery. Running a marathon probably isn't the brightest thing to do, but I'm committed now to try and complete the 26.2 miles to the Panathenaic Stadium, and to raise money for WellChild.

WellChild is a charity committed to funding high quality, innovative projects designed to have a positive impact for seriously ill children both now and in the future. This includes WellChilds Helping Hands programme which continues to go from strength to strength, working with volunteers from companies and organisations across the country to tackle essential projects in the homes of children with serious illness. Those volunteers provide the manpower and enthusiasm for projects such as bedroom and garden makeovers.

WellChild Childrens Nurses provide essential care and practical support to children and young people requiring long-term or complex care. They play a crucial role in enabling children to leave hospital and be cared for at home, reducing the practical, emotional and financial impact for families.

If you are able to spare some money to support me and this worthwhile charity, it would be really appreciated.

Robert.