I HAVE UNFINISHED BUSINESS!!!!!

I have a distant memory of having a tic when I was around 7 years old. My only real memories are a) the sensation of needing to constantly blink my eyes (similar to the sensation of wanting to rub tired eyes), which was accompanied by a head nod and b) another boy in my class seeing me doing it, and imitating me, deliberately, to mock my tic.

Tourettes Action are an amazing chaity that provide support, guidance and education not just for people with Tourettes but also for their parents/carers and in the case of children, their schools too.

Tourettes Action do not receive any government funding and are entirely dependent on external support.

In 2023 the opportunity arose to run the London Marathon "virtually" (completing the 26.2 mile run anywhere I chose) to raise money for TA.

With just 3.5 weeks notice, I signed up immediately.

3.5 weeks is nowhere near enough time to prepare for a marathon, especially when that period includes a pre-booked holiday and an unexpected family tragedy.

I knew it would be tough but managed about 24 miles before my hip went and I had to walk across the virtual finish line (alone in the woods, in the rain, cold and in pain... no crowds to cheer my achievement, no one to hand me a medal or a finishers t-shirt... even my family were about another mile away!).

But I was delighted to have raised a decent sum for Tourettes Action.

I was then lucky enough to secure a place to run again on 21 April 2024… this time in London!

THIS WAS UNFINISHED BUSINESS!!!

After months of physio and battling both old and new injuries, I completed the full 26.2 miles and settled the score.

This time I ran the entire distance and crossed the finish line in front of thousands of spectators, flying the flag and raising awareness for Tourettes Action. What made this even more special is that I was interviewed by the BBC at around 21 miles, and managed to highlight Tourettes Action on their television coverage of the event 💚

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Pease give generously to support Tourettes Action 🙏

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