Having completed the London Marathon's first Virtual race in October 2020, I was awarded a place to participate in a Mass London Marathon.  Tom suggested not to attempt the following year's Mass race in 2021 - 'at my great age, it was too much'.  So unbeknown to him, I signed up, entered and then completed another Virtual race last October.  So this year on 2nd October 2022, I will take part in the official London Marathon Mass race - still supporting PhabKids.  Having completed my first Mass race in 2012 - to mark my 50th birthday, I thought I have to complete two Virtuals and now hopefully, two Mass races.

I have kept up with my training throughout 2022 - which has been a huge effort in the hot summer that we have all endured.  There have been MANY days when I have seriously questioned my ability.  I have since completed 3x 17 mile runs and 2x 18 mile runs.  I think this year will also be quite poignant as we pass The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Hall (where I filed past Her Late Majesty lying in state), Westminster Abbey and of course Buckingham Palace after recent events.  I know this is going to hurt.  It hurt in 2012; it hurt in 2020, but actually not quite so much in 2021 - but I'm not getting any younger!  I've also just bought a new pair of trainers - so I am now committed!

If there is any chance of supporting a charity, so horribly penalised by Covid with lack of fundraising events, I will push myself to hurt again.  There are just too many individuals in this world who are unable to experience something like a London Marathon, so I will aim to complete this on their behalf.  My amazing generous sponsors kindly achieved the desired goal of over £1850, but after three years of supporting them, I would love to add some more.  I have not pushed for sponsorship because we have all hurt during these past couple of years, but if anybody felt they could support me - Thank you.  Thank you from me and from my amazing Charity - Phabkids.

PhabKids! are a phenomenal 60-year established charity who provide physical and emotional support to families living with disadvantaged or disabled children.  Their website gives an amazing insight into what they offer: https://www.phabkids.co.uk - running residential holiday sites (and homes), providing all the necessary facilities and equipment, involving outdoor activities and adventures, enabling all members of families to mix, socialise, participate and have fun alongside each other.  Dreams are realised, making the impossible possible - providing precious lifetime childhood memories.  Phab provide all the support to these families and I would like to play a part in supporting Phab.