Many of you will be aware that in 2011 I completed the Reading Half-Marathon and raised around £1750 for Sue Ryder Care. They are a charity that are very important to me as they provided first-class care for my father in the final weeks of his struggle with lung cancer. I know from personal experience what a huge difference they make to people, including the families of the sick, with their personalised and compassionate care, and they rely hugely on charitable donations to provide this excellent level of service. One common misconception is that the Charity provides palliative care for those suffering from the afflictions of cancer only. In fact their work also includes provision for those with multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, stroke, brain injury and other life-changing illnesses.

Having run for other charities in the past, the experience of being one of the runners for Sue Ryder Care was second to none. I received many supportive calls and texts from the fund-raising team ahead of the event, and on the day their motivational cheers inspired at strategic points on the course: I felt most valued and appreciated.

 

So to 2012, and it was clear that I had to do something bigger and better. As many of you will be aware I had a place to run in the 2012 Virgin London Marathon for Sue Ryder. Unfortunately I have had to pull out owing to work commitments which is disappointing for me. However, rather than let the Charity suffer, I have decided to raise funds by competing in Reading Half-Marathon 2012 and will be aiming for an eye-balls out fast time to make up for the losing the chance to run in London.

I hope that you will see fit to support this wonderful cause and that you will give as generously as you can; please spread your gift over a number of donations should that suit. I am sure your support will spur me on as the legs tire in the final miles.

 Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Many thanks,

 

Paddy