UPDATED 22nd May 2012:

Thanks for taking the time to visit my latest JustGiving page.

About a month ago, I joined up for two major NW running events taking place within a week, and agreed to a third of my own making for good measure! I've beaten the fundraising target now with your help, and the three events are behind me! On 13th May I ran in the Chester half marathon, getting just under my target time of 1h 50 (by 30 seconds!). Next, on Sunday 20th, came the BUPA Great Manchester Run. What a day! Congratulations to the organisers, if you watched on TV you know what I mean. High fived Sir Bobby C at the start, then ran 48:30, not quite up to Gebrselaisse's standards! For the eagle eyed amongst you, you may have seen me on BBC at the start and finish. Finally, ran another 7 miles 24 hours later to make up the marathon distance, in the heat of the newly arrived British summer! Overall, just over 3 and a half hours for the full 26.2 miles combined.

In Manchester I ran with colleagues from my new company APEM Ltd, where I have enjoyed working for the past 4 months. They have two major offices in Chester and Manchester, the home of the runs, so I was sort of on home ground at all times!

The team ran in support of MIND - the leading UK charity supporting mental health, and we have raised over £1400 between us. The company is generously matching every pound we raise for MIND, thanks to the MIND staff on the stall on Sunday, they were very supportive and we were all honoured to run in their name.

In case you are concerned about donating, don't be, donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to MIND and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please support me and the team across these May events. Donate now.

Chris Ashcroft