Barry Silkman
Barry's Run Hackney
Fundraising for NSPCC
Story
DID IT!!!!
Official time is 2 hours 4 min 11 seconds. Out of 12,500 runners I finished 5154. Considering I started near the back, thinking I'd run it in 3 hours ....... I overtook around 6-6,500 runners!! It was as tough as I thought it would be but very happy with the time and position. Great experience. Brilliant weather, wonderful camaraderie with other runners and fantastic supporters. Loved being in the community of Hackney. Thank you very, very much to all who have donated to this fantastic charity. I'm still collecting money in so please keep donating! Love Silk xx
**UPDATE** Tues 27th May
A big thank you to everyone who has donated so far.
Training is going well but could be better!! Not got the time to get anymore than 5 miles in, and only once or twice a week. Walking the dogs 2 hours every morning then legs are too knackered for running!!
Lost a over a stone in weight thou! Having a few days away soon, somewhere hot .... where I can run every morning and evening ..... so fit in a couple of hours running a day. I love running in the heat and need to get rid of an extra 7lb ...... is needed to run the 13 miles in only 3 ½ weeks!
This is something I’ve always wanted to do when I finished playing football.
I am running a half marathon to raise money and awareness for Beating Bowel Cancer, the NSPCC, and Prostate Cancer on Sunday 22nd June 2014 at Hackney Marshes, London.
A half marathon? 13 miles. Not too hard you might think. But at 61 years old this will be the first (and probably the only!!) ‘marathon’ I’ll ever do! You might already know that many years ago, actually 25 and more, I was a professional footballer. But a lot of time has passed since then. In my head I’m still 30 but my legs know otherwise!!
Hackney was pretty much my home ground when I was growing up in the East End. I was at Leyton Orient F. C. for 4 years and spent many Saturdays at Hackney Wick Greyhound Track in the summer.
Training to start on 1 March 2014. I aim to complete the distance in around 3 hours. I have pledged to run the whole way and I don’t intend to stop and walk. Hoping my legs won’t tell me differently!
I chose Beating Bowel Cancer, because Ally, my ex-wife, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer last year and has been battling the disease since January 1 2013. Her strength and determination to beat this disease is second to none. Ally became a ‘Voice’ for Beating Bowel Cancer and this charity have provided her with information and support she has been so grateful for.
Link to Beating Bowel Cancer Just Giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/Barry-Silkman
When I was a player I used to visit children in hospital and have always championed the rights for children to be kept safe from harm. Hence my continued support to the NSPCC.
Prostate cancer is becoming man's biggest enemy so any money spent on supporting and reseaching this cancer is going to help save lives.
Link to the Prostate Cancer Just Giving site: http://www.justgiving.com/Barry-Silkman2
It would be great if you came along on the day and cheer me (and other runners) on. Put the date in your diary. Sunday 22 June 2014.
Address is ........ Hackney Marshes, Homerton Road, London E9.
Ally is going to put together a picnic for family, friends, and supporters for the day and you can email her at office.admin@barrysilkman.comfor more information
With my daughter Keenia, we recorded a version of 'SMILE' to keep up her Mum's spirits as she enters her 2nd year battling and fighting. Keep smiling!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrLW2bPwZVY
Finally, if anyone wants to join me -feel free (but you're not allowed to beat me)! Register at www.runhackney.com
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.