Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Spinal Cord Injury has a devastating effect on the 1,200 people who become paralysed each year. The individual affected will lose muscle and sensory control and the vast majority become full time wheelchair users for the rest of their lives.

On 1st November 2008 my friend James Gribble suffered a freak spinal injury whilst travelling in Africa and was left a quadriplegic. For many this would have been overwhelming but thanks to his enormous courage and spirit James is recovering and is determined to walk again. His remarkable story is told on this link http://www.puffinmagic.org.au/pmf-appeals-events-video.htm and the video opposite.

James has inspired me to not only take advantage of the opportunity to tick off one of life's boxes my running a marathon but to also raise some money to help people in the same position as James.

The charity I am supporting is Aspire, whose simple goal is to provide support to people with spinal cord injuries to help them move from injury to independence. Through its projects and programmes, Aspire offers practical support to the 40,000 people living with a spinal cord injury in the UK so that they can lead fulfilled and independent lives in their homes, with their families, in work-places and leisure time.

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.

Once I have reached my minimum pledge amount, Aspire have very kindly agreed that 50p of every pound raised thereafter will be given direct to James and his charity The Puffin Magic Foundation.

So all you need to do now is sponsor me - it’s for a great cause and will be much less painful than running 26 miles!!