In the week leading up to Christmas an email was sent out to all Lloyds bank graduates explaining that one spare place had become available for the London Marathon as someone had been forced to pull out through injury. For some mad reason I impulsively decided to take it.

 

This is mad for several reasons, the primary one being that I haven't participated in any keep fit activities for several years (indeed I was forced to play as goal keeper for my six a side football team at University as I couldn't last 5 mins outfield), I suffer from Asthma and have inherited the notorious 'Worth dodgy knee' gene. There is also the distinct possibility that I will face the humiliation of getting outrun by my girlfriend, who is also running, and had clocked up some 700km in practice runs before I had even started training! (the mind games have begun!).

 

On the plus side I did do well in Cross Country in year 4 at school, so hopefully I can rediscover that form (even if the marathon is about 8 times as far!). 

I am raising money for The Alzheimer’s Society, the leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. I am sure you will agree this is a very worthwhile cause, with the disease impacting on the lives of so many. With the ageing population in the UK there is a growing need for carers and funds for research. Every donation, no matter how much, will be very gratefully received. Lloyds Banking Group has pledged to match the first £500 of money donated.

 

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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.