Gulp. Well, you all know I can certainly talk the talk, but, yes I hear your cry - 'talk is cheap' , so the question is can I walk the walk?! So, with short legs shaking in anticipation, 2011 is officially the year I will be running the full 26 miles and 385 yards that is the legendary London Marathon. 

This will be my first attempt at a marathon and I am hugely excited. Or at least I think so. Lest I acknowledge the demons of self doubt , who torment me with their relentless taunts of missing toenails, early morning 3 hour runs in the rain and snow, unflatteringly tight lycra on wind chapped limbs, gag inducing carb gels and chaffing in orifices I never even knew I had. I am under no illusion about the journey ahead.

But on the positive side, there is of course the carb loading, which a full six months prior to the event, I have been practicing diligently and with surprising ease (in fact I think I may just have been preparing for VLM in this respect all of my life.)

So the real reason behind this mad rush of blood to the head you ask? Well, the charity I will be running for is PARC  (no comments from the back about the mirror image of the t-shirt reflecting on may running ability please), who are based in Great Notley country park, near Braintree, Essex.

PARC Essex provides play and recreation facilities for children with disabilities in Essex and respite care for their families and carers. PARC believes that every child has a right to play and children with disabilities need play opportunities which allow for individuality and ability whilst ensuring safety, freedom and choice. Many disabled children are denied access to mainstream play opportunities due to physical, social and cognitive barriers and there are waiting lists and stringent criteria to access help from statutory services, which are more stretched than ever in the current climate.
Working with a wide range of children including those with speech and language difficulties, autistic spectrum, epilepsy and those with physical and learning difficulties, PARC provides an invaluable service and supportive lifeline for families in our local community. Above all PARC is a place where Children can develop, learn and have fun, in a safe and friendly environment that caters for their special needs.

I first came into contact with PARC through one of my best friends and running (who said drinking?) companions Julie. Her very beautiful son Leo (that's the cutie with the star fish in the picture) has autism and during the last two years has been given  tremendous support from PARC, which I am sure in no small way has contributed to his growth from a quiet, withdrawn toddler, into a bubbly, happy and sociable little man, who always has a smile on his face and a cheery chuckle.  Leo and his very lovely family are just one of hundreds of children and families living in our community who have benefited from the amazing work which PARC provides. So when those seeds of doubt should cross my mind, I will spare a thought for all those families and I know a spring in my step will be renewed for the next mile (or 26 gulp).

PARC cannot operate without the kindness and generosity of people like you and the plain stupidity and bloody mindedness of me, so please dig deep and give what you can. Oh and don't forget to gift aid your donation too.

I'll also be running a closed wager for all donors (dosh not organs please) - they'll be a bottle of fizz for the person making the closest estimation to my final finish time (and yes it does count even if it is in an ambulance).

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