Hi……Last year (April 2024) I had a place to run the London Marathon. A lifelong dream for me since being a teenager. After lots of other fundraising and failed attempts of a ballot place, plus lots of other sports events, time went by, and it just didn’t happen over the years. This year was my last attempt, and I was gutted that just 4 days before I had to take the decision to withdraw due to a tear in my psoas tendon im my groin. This led to awkward running and then injured both knees. I had worked so hard for 9 months, and it felt it was all for nothing.

Having a ballot place did however entitle me to defer to next year for one more attempt. After 6 months rest, and hopefully recovered, im going to attempt my dream one more time. The London Marathon 2025 on 27th April.

I didn’t run for a charity last year, but if the old injury flares up again, I wanted something good to come of all this hard work. So, I have decided to dedicate it all to a local charity that I have been so touched by. The Phoenix Stroke Club. They rely solely on donations to deliver the fantastic work and support they give to stroke victims and their families.

There is a reason why it is so close to my partners, and I heart………

5 years ago, our dear friend Daryl suffered an out of the blue catastrophic stroke at just aged 53. He endured 3 brain operations and spent several months in intensive care including time on a life support machine. It nearly became the end several times over. With his sheer will and determination, and the love & support of his family and friends Daryl has recovered well, however he is left with no movement to his left side but still leads an active life and is enjoying life again.

Daryl loved sport, and one of his passions was running. I used to see him in the gym training on the treadmill achieving his goal of training for a half marathon.

Daryl attends the Phoenix Stroke Club on a regular basis. We recently attended their quiz evening, and I was blown away with the work they do there and the stories of how peoples lives changed forever in an instant….

The club now supports over 65 stroke members every week. The club’s aim is to help stroke members regain their confidence, improve their communication, and provide a fun and friendly setting where they can meet other stroke survivors. It also gives carers invaluable respite.

I would love you to help me raise some money for this fantastic charity. Their work is invaluable. Please give generously and I will bloody crawl it if I have too!!!! I will post updates of the training and let you know how its all going.