I did it! 4hrs 20 mins which I am really pleased with. It was really hard to keep going, I got cramp at 20 miles and had to stop and stretch and then walk for a bit before I was able to run again but I was able to keep running to the end so I'm really happy.

Thank you to everyone who has donated / pledged sponsorship. Its not too late, the page stays live for a while so you can still donate but I have to say I have been blown away by everyone's generosity towards a great cause. I will add a few more photos of the day itself when I get them the through. Thanks again.

I would like also to thank my training partner Robert King without whom I would not have done so many mid-week runs, particularly when it was cold and wet outside; it certainly made it easier and we were able to enjoy some pleasant conversation as we went round especialy as we got fitter and weren't gasping for breath.   

 

I know at my age I should know better but I have got an entry into this year's London Marathon. It's something I have said to myself for several years I wanted to do but I must admit, it is beginning to hit home now just what I have let myself in for. Twenty six miles is a long way and the training is getting harder and harder. It's all very well going out for a jog for half an hour or so but the commitment required to train on a regular basis for two or three hours at a time is something completely different. Getting back home and then sitting in a cold bath for fifteen minutes (I am told it is good for you) is not to be taken lightly either!

I want to make all this effort worthwhile so I have decided to run for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK raising money for research into bowel cancer in memory of Bobby Moore, West Ham's and England's World Cup Winning captain.

So please dig deep and donate now and, if you see me out training give me a wave or shout or blow your horn in encouragement. Also look out for me on the day, I'm number 4463. If you know anyone else that you think might be interested in sponsoring me, please send them a link to this page or ask them to go to www.justgiving.com/Kevin-Petty

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it's the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving and cutting costs for charity.

Many thanks 

Kevin

Just to update you re progress - training has been interesting to say the least. An old foot injury curtailed my training for a few weeks but fortunately this coincided with the snow we had over Christmas and New Year so it didn't set me back too much. I have also had the usual coughs and colds but resisted using them as an excuse not to go out. I have now completed two half marathon events, the Watford and more recently Silverstone Half Marathons which were both great fun to take part in. You can see pictures of my endeavours by clicking on photos above. I have also undertaken a couple of 20 mile training runs so the half marathons were short runs for me (not!) I have planned a couple more slightly longer runs and then its a taper down to the big day which is not far away now.

Well the big day is just 3 days away and my last training run - a gentle 3 miles is now complete. All I have to do now is eat plenty of pasta, drink lots of water and avoid the temptation of a quick kick around with the boys in the back garden! I'm as ready as I will ever be but I have been overwhelmed by everyone's generosity, it has been quite amazing so thank you all very much indeed. I will let you know how I get on and don't forget to look out for me, I'm number 4463 and I will be wearing an orange shirt and black shorts.

Thanks for all your donations - I have had loads of off line donations as well which I will keep updated as follows -

RSA Insurance - £350, Jill Tester £10, Amanda Skillington £5, Colin Bradbury £10, Andy Garrett £5, Trina Di Fabrizio £10, Alex Baxter £20, Joanne Hills £10, Jo Scott £40, David Wescott £20, Katie Balme £5, Carolyn Bishop £5, Neema Patel £5, John Hollis £20, Nick Bain £15, Sharon Drover £10, John and Barbara Richards £20, Angela Lamb £10, Duncan Cottam £5, Dean Mander £20, Gary Peacock £5, Andrew Miller £20, Paul Hammond £10, Ken Campbell £10, Kevin Woods £10, Bev Kavanagh £10, Kath & Alistair Robertson £30, Martin Harris £10, Sheila & Peter Johns £25, Duncan Thomas £20, Judith & David Nimmo-Smith £50, Mark Woods £26, JW Pluck £5, Jim Mercer £5, David Longhurst £3, Lee Harris £5, David Shipp £5, Roland O £2.50, Carrin Sharpe £10, Gary Cowan £5, David Grant £5, Paul Rooney £5, Andrius Krivicius £5, Dee Cilia £5, Lisa Waters £5