Hi everyone,

I am running the London Marathon 2015 on behalf of one of UK's top charities called the Mulberry Bush Organisation. 

Over many years (since 1948) an amazing team of people have established the Mulberry Bush School; a specialist residential school in Oxford for traumatised children between 5-13. 

The school provides a full-time therapeutic environment for some of the most disadvantaged girls and boys in the UK, with the aim of getting them re-integrated into their families and communities by the end of the course.

All children admitted have severe behavioural disorders brought on by abuse or neglect in their formative years.

The Mulberry Bush School provides a world class, well-established programme to get these young lives back on track. 

Please follow these links for Mulberry's very informative mission statement booklet and website:

http://www.mulberrybush.org.uk/our-school/how-we-help/

http://www.mulberrybush.org.uk/ 

I know that around this time of year you're probably getting daily requests for sponsorship, but please please, think of the Mulberry Bush School. 

It is an exemplary, well organised institution and it would greatly appreciate any donation, large or small.

many thanks and much love to all

George

Something on the Marathon itself:

A few reading this will know that it will be my second time running the London Marathon, the first time being on a beautiful yet slightly hotter than comfortable day in 2013!

I wrote a short de-brief piece for the last charity I ran for, which similarly aimed to aimed to help disadvantaged youngsters, summing the experience thus:

“The Marathon showcases London at its absolute finest! Given the tragic events in Boston 7 days before, there was an emotional edge just before the race, especially when everyone stopped their warm up before the gun for 30 seconds of silence. A journalist a few days after the race made a very appropriate remark that 40,000 marathon runners were "probably the least likely group to get concerned or deterred from something they had so long prepared for by a pair of cowardly opportunistic terrorists". This remark really sums up the spirit of the race, the camaraderie felt between fellow runners and the collective drive to finish. When you couple this with the best crowds in the world, beautiful weather and great organisation you get the London Marathon. I loved it from the second I crossed the start line till the moment I finished and will certainly look to do it again." 

It seems I was still pretty pumped up a few days later! "London at its absolute finest..." Phwoar...sign me up Boris...