I did it! I finally managed my sub 4 marathon, finishing in 3 hours 56 minutes. I couldn't stop smiling all the way down the Embankment and down the Mall to the finish line. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated money to St. John Ambulance. The volunteers helped a lot of people that day and they really appreciate the support.

I owe rather a lot to St. John Ambulance. Last April I was running my first London marathon when I blacked out after 24 miles.  I was unconscious for at least 20 minutes and had a temperature of 106F when I was scooped up off the ground on the Embankment. But 2 hours later, after amazing care from St John's volunteers, I was able to get up and finish the run. It wasn't quite the 4 hour marathon I'd been hoping for but I got there in 6hrs 22 minutes thanks to them. They helped thousands of runners that day - it was particularly warm and a lot of people got into difficulties. My body had quite literally overheated which is why I collapsed. So this year I am dedicating my 2nd attempt at a marathon to them and hoping I can raise lots of money for the volunteers who tirelessly look after so many people every year for free. Hopefully though I won't be needing their services this time...