I am raising money for 'Mind', in memory of my brother Chris. Chris battled depression for a number of years, but in tragic circumstances lost his fight. Chris  found peace in September 2007.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqeZQxMz0M0

For those of you that knew Chris, he was an inspiration to friends, colleagues and pupils. He inspired many people to follow their dreams and ambitions in life and for that, as a brother, I am immensely proud.

I feel the London Marathon, is a fitting event to raise money for an exceptional cause and in memory of my brother Chris.

For those that are already going down to watch the Marathon, fancy lending your support on the day (Dependent on the weather it is a lovely day) or support from a nice warm bed/sofa…..the following information may be of use (My family and friends will be opposite the obelisk 100m from embankment tube);

Thestarts at 945 and I leave from the BLUE START

My race number is 19082

I predict I will reach the following landmarks at the following times (Give or take 5/10 minutes either way dependent on how I’m feeling, toilet stops, high fiving the crowds, falling over, having a little walk to take in the scenery and NOT to take a breather, giving a piggy back to the fella dressed up as a Teletubby etc etc ………);

Landmark                      Mileage             Time(am)ish

Cutty                    6.5                    1040

10                                         1105

                12.5                  1125

               19                     1215

                 22.5                  1245

Blackfriars Tube             24                     1300

Embankment Tube         25                     1308

Houses of Parliament     25.5                  1311

Finish Line                    26.2                  1315    

(I understand this is on the ‘Red Button’ service throughout the entire TV coverage so you may actually be able to see me! Not a pretty site after 26.2 miles but hey!)

Thank you all once again for your support! With the tax relief we have raised over £3,500 !!! Simply amazing………………………. I cannot put into words how overwhelmed

I or my family are, at the incredible amount of sponsorship pledged to date! With your help people that suffer from mental illness, like Chris, have the opportunity to

acquire the support they need. MIND is extremely grateful to the support shown for this fantastic charity!

One in four of us will experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives. Each year more than 250,000 people are admitted to psychiatric hospitals and over 4,000 people take their own lives.

Mental health problems can affect anyone, rich or poor, young or old, shattering the lives of those affected and the lives of the people close to them. Many people didn't know Chris suffered from depression, I’m sure many of you have family, friends or work colleagues who are suffering or have suffered from depression. I’m sure many of you don’t even realise people so close to you could suffer from this debilitating illness.

The stigma attached to mental illness often stops us from discussing or understanding the subject with those close to us or whom we work with. With your help ‘Mind’ can continue to provide support and research for those affected by Mental health problems.

I know everyone is under increasing financial strain, but if you are able to sacrifice the cost of a pint, a meal out, a new cd, a night out on the tiles, the cost of a kitchen tile, a cinema ticket etc it would be going to a much deserved cause and would be very much appreciated. Every penny helps. 50 people donating £2 each would soon accumulate and make a real difference. I have been luck enough to acquire a ballot place so EVERY penny of your sponsorship goes to charity and doesn’t pay for my place to run.

Thanks and all the best, you’re support really is appreciated.

Paul

P.s. remember to tick the gift aid box !

http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=47071516602

Mind works for better mental health for everyone. It is the leading mental health charity in and .

1 in 4 people will experience mental distress in their life time and your sponsorship will help to make a real difference.

£15 could help us to support a local Mind association befriending scheme. Trained workers make regular phone calls to isolated people who are at risk of developing depression and other mental health problems.

£30 could help train a volunteer to become a Mind campaigner, helping us to promote awareness of mental health issues.

£100 could enable us to support 1000 people by producing our information booklets such as ‘understanding depression’.

http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=47071516602