Like most people, the reason I am who I am today is due to my upbringing and I consider myself most fortunate to have been brought up in a wonderful loving Christian family.

For most people the family they are brought up in is simply due to nature, however in my case the family I have been brought up in is thanks to NCH as I was adopted as a baby from one of their children's homes and it was they who found my family and ensured that it was the right one for me.

Because of that, I owe them a great debt, and I hope to pay some of that back this year by running the London Marathon for them.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: NCH, the children's charity 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 me now!

Many thanks for your support.

++++++++++++++++++++++STOP PRESS++++++++++++++++++++

I finished! The heat was horrendous (as was London's transport system which meant I had a 3 mile walk to the start) and although I was on for a PB at 9-miles, the conditions took their toll on me meaning a radical revision of my goals - I finished with a "personal worst" (!) for the marathon, 50-minutes slower than my PB - never mind - I finished!