Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I am taking part in the BUPA Great Birmingham Run on Sunday 23rd October to raise money for Cancer Research at University Birmingham hospital. I had treatment at the Hospital in March/April . After my visit to Hospital on Monday 18 July I resolved to run the BUPA Great Birmingham Run. At the moment 5 miles is the limit of my endurance but by the time it is October I will be capable of running the half marathon. I will FINISH even if I have to CRAWL all the way. I look forward gratefully to your support.

Sachin, my 6 year old Grandson and first sponsor has given me £4.21 to start me off - only problem it is in coppers!

The first week has been succesful - I have clocked 15 miles on the road (4 miles, 5 miles and today 6 miles) over 3 days. The second week I ran 12 miles over 2 days. Almost end of third week and I can do 7 miles now. I have taken it easy the fourth week; news was depressing, shocking and sad and I have taken the tonic of reading Bill Bryson's "Notes from a Small Island" which never fails to lift my spirits - back to training next week. Training going OK - did 8 miles nonstop this week and still had energy to do more. Training update on 17 September - I have managed 10 miles nonstop this week. Next milestone - to complete 13.1 miles. Today 7 October I have received the racepack with my number which is 17146 and the timing chip. My start time will be 10:42 and I hope to finish by 14:00. Update Friday 21 October - final training run of 4 miles in a slow time of 59 minutes (nearly half uphill). Race completed in 3;04;03. Started at 10:43:21 in the Pink Wave and was soon running down Hill Street. 36 minutes later and approaching 3 mile mark I went sprawling, a runner following had caught my heel. Got up with right thumb nail nearly ripped off and a painful left knee and shin and carried on running.50 minutes into the run at the 4 mile marker;grabbed a "Powerade" drink.Passed the Cadbury factory, giving runners running back high fives. Running downhill and hopefully nearing the 8 mile mark,. pass the imposing Edgbaston Cricket Ground. Take a photo of the 8 mile marker in Cannon Hill Park and leave the Park a mile later, 2:06 into the run. Only 4 miles left but legs feel heavy,keep running.Pass the 10 mile marker and now it is the hills - reduced to a walk with some isolated runs of 100 metres or so. Make it to the 12 miles marker - wow! that bit was so hard - in 2;49;37. The final 1.1 miles at a better pace and manage a sprint in the final 50 metres. Walk to the marshall and tug off the timing chip, depositing in her red bag and walk further down to collect my "goody" bag; fishing out the medal and putting it on - well worth it. Mobile phone bleeps - message from Great Run " time of 03:04:03 at 13:53 - that was so quick.

On the fundraising front the total has now reached £150 and today 24 October I have sent a cheque for £106. to the charity for the offline amount raised.

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