PHOTO AT HORSE GUARDS PARADE WITH CATHERINE

I managed a new PB of 3:54:44. Amazing experience to run around such an iconic course with so many landmarks that I have visited so many times over the years. Highlights were the Cutty Sark, running over Tower Bridge and around Canary Wharf. I didn't really take in much of the Mall as I was purely focused on the finishing line. Whoever blasted out 'Blockbuster' by Sweet from a pub around mile 12 - I salute you!

I was lucky enough to hear my name come out of the hat at the club's Christmas draw for marathon places. I have been running with Saffron Striders for five years. Last year I ran the Suffolk coastal marathon. Three weeks after that, I managed to run the Edinburgh marathon in just under four hours.

I am raising money for ACT, the charity supporting Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. A couple of years ago when my wife Catherine, was seriously ill, we had a need to use the Addenbrooke's facilities and we were amazed at the compassion and generosity of spirit shown by all the staff.

The medical team, led by Dr Luke Hughes-Davies, who looked after my wife were remarkable. Dr Hughes-Davies combines immense intelligence with an empathy in understanding what the patient and family are going through emotionally. He found time to talk to our children and answer concerns they had.

The nursing staff were incredibly kind and caring. When you visit a place like Addenbrooke's on a regular basis, you really understand that nursing and medical work is a true vocation. The nurses work extraordinarily hard, often with a lack of resources and they really do deserve all our support.

I am truly grateful to anyone who decides to make a contribution, however small, towards a very special organisation.

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.