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UPDATE 24th APRIL

It's 48 hours+ since I crossed the finish line and I still haven't got back full use of my legs. I'm ok on the flat but going downstairs presents serious problems.

The experience at the marathon was amazing; the support you get from total strangers in the crowd is really moving, not to mention the sheer numbers of people who take the trouble to turn out. The Olympics will be a massive success I am sure. I had set my target at 4 hours 48 minutes based on very steady 11 minute miles. At the half way stage I was on for about 4 hours 35 but slowed down a little over the 3rd quarter of the race and finally managed to come home in 4 hours 46. At about the 17 mile mark I took on a carbo gel which gave me a bit of a lift so I followed it up with quite a few jelly babies offered by spectators. I was flying for about a mile and a half but then took a real downer in the last mile. I started to feel sick and queasy and was struggling at the end. You learn something new every time you run; this time it was not to take on too much fuel too quickly. Tom finished before me in 4 hours 35 and Jack struggled home with a hamstring problem but bravely battled on and posted 5 hours 44.

I got back home to check my just giving page to find another 17 donations had come in putting me close to the £8000 mark, which was a great way to finish what has been a very emotional experience all round.

Now what everyone is asking is will I do it again. I've got to be honest, I don't think I can run much faster than I did but I think I just might have caught the running bug even so...

 

UPDATE 19th APRIL

I'm nearly there. The training is now all done and I managed to squeeze in an extra 20 mile run before my taper which enabled me to test my speed and see if I could go any quicker (I couldn't). I have had my worst injury scare this week with a foot problem, a metatarsal I think, but I've decided to rest it, ignore it and hope it goes away. A cunning plan, eh?

If you're trying to spot me on the telly I'll be in a bright orange vest (and bright red face) and my number is 41828. I've got a bit more to pay into my account that will push it over the £7000 mark which is really incredible. I was announced as one of the top fundraisers and for my charity and have been given a couple of Grandstand tickets for family to use. Thanks to you all once again.

I'm in a hotel on Saturday night with Tom & Jack with friends and family dotted around London and all coming in to support us on the day. I'll post some pics and a report on here next week, assuming I'm still in one piece, so cross your fingers and here goes!

 

UPDATE 21st MARCH

As you can all see the fundraising has been going extremely well. My original target is starting to look very pessimistic; I have even received an email from Leukaemia Care saying I am their top fundraiser! No mention of a special prize yet, however. One or two people have mentioned that they have enjoyed my occasional updates, so I thought I'd post another quick one.

I managed a very slow 18 mile run last Sunday and seem to have shrugged off my old injury niggles, at least for now. I have only another 10 days of full training before I start my 'taper' going into the race, where training gradually reduces. I'll go for a half marathon this Saturday and then aim to do 21 miles as my last big training run the following week. My running vest arrived last week and is a charming combination of luminous orange and purple. Should make me easier to spot on the day; which is good, I think!

UPDATE 2nd MARCH

Just to let everyone know that the Hallfield School fundraising day on February 10th raised a fantastic £1029. The children all came dressed in red for the charity and there were plenty of activities for them to get involved in. A Big Breakfast was provided entirely without cost by ACCENT Catering and raised over £300 and there was a colouring competition (picture of me, running) and a break time disco. The response was amazing and in my 7 year here we have never raised a sum like that on a single day. I have also received many cheques and cash donations which can't be listed on the Just Giving page individually but you will see the amount raised at the bottom of the page in the category of offline donations. Thank you all very much indeed.

The training is going okay although I have had some problems with my right calf. I have been cycling in to school this week to keep fit and it seems to have improved. I am hoping to do my second 15 miler on Sunday if I pass a late fitness test tomorrow. The half term half marathon was good but Tom and Jack left me for dead after about 5 miles and posted some seriously good times. I'd prefer not to divulge my time just at this stage (too slow).

 

UPDATE - 27th JANUARY

Many, many thanks to everyone who has contributed so far. I can't believe how generous you all are; I really do appreciate it.

My nephew Jack has also now got a place to run for the same charity as Tom, which is brilliant news. He's only 19 and a very strong runner. I don't think I'll be able to get anywhere near him after the first 100 metres or so but it will be great to have him there nevertheless. The training is going okay but there are always knocks and niggles and I am terrified of getting a bad injury, so I don't want to say too much. My first half-marathon attempt will be at half term and Tom is coming down to run with me. Jack as well, hopefully. Fingers crossed I can stay fit.

MY STORY

On Thursday 3rd November of 2011 my daughter Hannah died from a rare form of leukaemia after a desperate 18 month battle with the disease.  She was 27 years old. Until the disease came along and changed everything, Hannah was enjoying her life to the full and planning the future together with her husband Matt and their three young children Molly, Libby and George. They lived together in Garstang in Lancashire.

Watching Hannah calmly deal with the trauma and upset of a long term illness made me feel very proud to be her father. As a family we gave her all the support that we could although at many times it felt as if she was supporting us. She may have only been 27 but inside her she found a degree of fortitude and self knowledge that was an inspiration to everyone who came into contact her.

After Hannah passed away I hurriedly looked into getting a charity place at the London Marathon. I have been a leisure runner for quite a few years but I have always said I wouldn’t do a marathon for one very good reason; it’s too far, the body can’t take it! Well, it’s still too far and I’m not convinced I can take it but now I have a great motivation to give it a try.

I contacted some of the cancer charities hoping they might still have places available and to my great surprise, tinged with a little bit of horror, I have been given a place by Leukaemia Care. That’s great, I think, but it does mean I need to raise a minimum of £2000 to pay for my place. (It also means I’ve got a lot of training to do.) Leukaemia Care is a nationwide charity that provides vital care and support to people like Hannah when their lives are affected by a blood or lymphatic cancer.

My son Tom is running too, raising money for Leukaemia Research.

I want to run it with him; we’re both doing it for Hannah; we loved her very much.

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