Flushed with the success of completing the Great South Run and after many years of watching from the comfort of the sofa I have finally decided to take the plunge and I will be taking part in this years Flora London Marathon on Sunday 26th April.

I will be running to raise money for the Arthritis Research Campaign.

My reason for this is that my wife Pam has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis since her mid 20's so I have seen at first hand the impact that this disease has and the regular challenges that it creates.  This is my chance to do something tangible in the ongoing fight against this disease.

If you are a sufferer or have a relative or friend that suffers from arthritis you will know what great work Arthritis Research Campaign does. 

I have set myself a challenging target of £100 per mile and I would be absolutely delighted to carry some of your money around the marathon course with me!  It will also help to motivate me to get up and get out running on those cold winter mornings. 

HSBC will match each £1 that I raise up to £500, so please give as generously as you can.   The amount raised offline has now been updated to reflect this.

The marathon training involves a significant amount of mileage (I have now clocked up over 300 miles in training as at end the end of February) and I do seem to be spending a lot of time pounding the pavement particularly on Sunday mornings!   Any new suggestions that you can give me to liven up my mp3 player during the long training runs will be gratefully received!!  Something nice and noisy will do just fine.

It would be great if you could look out for me on the BBC coverage on the day, if you see me please cheer like mad - I will need all the help I can get!   Please also keep everything crossed that I manage to make it round and that my knees hold out!

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

Giving through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Arthritis Research Campaign gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks

Phil

Big thanks to those who have sponsored me "off line"

Ray D (Pam's Dad), Wendy, Tim Nicki and Lewis, Gordon & Denise (thanks for the offer of a bonus for a lap of honour!), Mike C, Cliff B, Chris P, Kevin B, Mayur S, Alison & John Mc, Cynthia & Paul, Linda B, Richie Rich, Maggie & Graham, Charlie O, Jon S, Ali B, Ani C, Edwina H, Yali W,, Vicki & Alex, Stuart G, Jill & Keith B, Neil & Nicola L, Dave, Rose, Peggy et al, H Young Holdings and Jonny Turk & Suzy Bare (not sure about the Buxted chicken comments!).  Big thank you