Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

Yes, I'm running again. My 3rd London Marathon! By sponsoring me (again), you add to the great amounts we have previously raised for Childline (£4000+) and The Meningitis Trust (£5000+). The picture opposite is my favourite marathon photo; it was the culmination of Amy (our daughter) and I training together, running together, starting and finishing together!

In these times, whatever you are facing, it is a great 'coping strategy' to focus your mind on a new challenge, and do some good for a great cause. You can read more about Richard House - to the left is a brief summary, and at http://www.richardhouse.org.uk/ . I am inspired to run for this charity by my colleague, Sean Wood, who has encouraged tirelessly colleagues to support this most worthwhile organisation. Indeed, reading the story of Anthea Hare, and her late brother Richard is enough to humble anybody.

Anyhow, as you know I take these matters seriously. Give generously, and in return I'll train hard. I start on 2nd November with the Stevenage Half-Marathon, and will try and provide short editorial updates on my progress (if you're interested!). [STOP PRESS: Completed in 1 hour 30 minutes, a personal best, and placed 33rd in age!]. When I ran in 2007 I completed the course in 3 hours 40 minutes, so I must do better this time! 3 hours 30 minutes would be good, 3 hours 15 minutes is in my dreams.....January Update: Regularly running up to 40 miles a week; 2/3 times a week at 5.30am before work, and a 16 miler at the weekend (a best of 2 hours 5 minutes). February Update: The snow gives me a welcome weeks break - been feeling less motivated lately......need some competition, so looking forward to The Gade Valley 17 mile run on the 22nd.....[STOP PRESS: Completed in 2 hours 2 minutes - very satisfactory!!]. Two 20 mile runs on 29th March and 5th April the next milestones....

Right now (April 2nd) I am rationalising - I have just had an operation to correct a detaching retina in my right eye - something I couldn't avoid (or lose my sight in that eye).  I'm desperate, I haven't exercised for a week now, and I'll lose another 2 weeks running/training at a critical time. I'll make the marathon, I'll finish the marathon, and I'll make a full recovery.....there is a moral there somewhere, somehow.....And now its the 12th April, two weeks to go, and I can a) see (thank goodness, very lucky!!), and b) I can start running again tomorrow - will be time to do two short runs, one long run and the Newham 10k race on the 19th with Jed (our son) before the big day...........(and what a lovely run it was around the Olympic site - the first competitors to compete there!!).

MONDAY 27TH APRIL. Well, I finished (as if ever I thought I wouldn't!). A great day, and really pleased with my time of 3 hours 25 minutes, a personal best, and easily inside the top 10% of finishers!! MANY, MANY THANKS to all my friends and family for support, encouragement and sponsorship - I know all at Richard House are delighted with our contribution.

So here's to the next time, even though it may not be next year........

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Richard House Trust gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please, even more reason to sponsor me now!