Hi All,

We did it!!!!

This was my 4th North Run (love the Toon!) and I was pretty nervous after setting myself a target time of 1hr 55mins but somehow I managed to smash it finishing in 1hr 49mins 50secs (last 2 miles nearly killed me!). After setting himself the (in hindsight) modest target of completing the course, Dad (literally) sprinted home in 2hrs 4mins 15secs-he's 60 in Nov!!!

We started the race together with a high five from Sir Bobby Robson and both managed to finish less than an hour behind Paula Radcliffe-as Dad said, at least she wouldn't have lapped us! A terrific day was had by all with lots of celeb sightings (Steve McLaren, James Cracknell, Carol Vorderman, Steve Ryder, Andy Townsend, Jonathon Edwards.....), the red arrows magnificent fly by over the Tyne bridge, and a brilliant atmosphere throughout.

Both of us want to say a HUGE (Hughes!) THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us and helped spur us on to the finish line. As well as the donations on this page a further £200 has been pledged off-line, all of which BUPA has kindly agreed to fund match. In total well over £1000 has been raised for Hope House which I know will be greatly received and put to good use.

We will keep this site active for another few weeks for those who wanted to make sure we made it before parting with their hard earned cash! Donating through the site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Hope House Children's Hospices will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. So please sponsor us now!

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page and for all your support. It really is/was greatly appreciated.

Rachael & Alan

P.S. A special thank you to our dedicated support team Norma & Sally!

P.P.S. Applications for London Marathon 2008 have been submitted-watch this space!