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Well I did it! 3 hours, 43minutes, 34 seconds! Thank you to all those who sponsored me, for those who pledged please settle up asap!

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On the 7th of November 2010 I shall be running the ING New York Marathon!! While doing so I have decided to raise money for the charity Mencap.

Mencap support people with a learning disability to get a job, take a college course, or can help them find a place of their own to live in. Also, they run residential/day care services and leisure groups that are so important to so many people with a learning disability, and their families and supporters.

Mencap also campaign to get the government to change laws so that people with a learning disability can have control over their own lives.

For those who don't know, the New York marathon is a 26.2 mile (42km) race which covers all five boroughs of New York City. Typically with up to 42 thousand people running – That’s mental.

This is will be my first ever Marathon, and my personal target is to complete it under 4 hours - providing me with plenty of time to hit the 'All you can eat' restaurants ASAP after the race before having to return to the UK.

Unfortunately I missed the ballot for entry into the marathon, so I had to fork out £900 (Ouch) for the ticket through a stupid tour operator!

Luckily if I meet my sponsorship target, Mencap are going to reimburse some of the money.

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 time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.