Thanks for taking the time to visit my Brighton Marathon 2014 for NSPCC JustGiving page.

Rod "Balboa" Jones and I met in Cardiff many years ago when we both bought our first houses opposite each other. Since then we have both grown families and despite now living a couple of hours apart, keep in touch for family reunions and general banter. At the end of 2012 and during an alcohol fuelled weekend, we both signed-up for a 2013 home and away challenge. The first “away” leg was the Lloyds Cardiff Half Marathon which proved to be a good outing for both of us, and our families who provided full support from the sidelines. Then, 3 weeks later we completed the very windswept BUPA Great South Run for the “home leg” of our 2013 challenge – this time all four of our children also ran the Great South Mini and Junior runs during the weekend.

The problem is, for “Balboa” and I at least, we now we have the bug! 

After spending lots of time researching our next challenge, for 2014 we agreed at only 16 weeks notice to run the Brighton Marathon... yes, the full 26.2 mile version... and have both chosen to fundraise for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

Running as “Taff” in my now usual running vest, I can currently be spotted four times a week pounding the streets of South Hampshire as I meticulously follow the NSPCC full marathon training plan.

To add to my personal challenge – and for the full 16 weeks – I have also totally given up alcohol. That is, 112 days dry…

Last drink:  Saturday 14 December 2013, Wales.

Next drink:  Sunday 6 April 2014, Brighton.

So, if you are able to spare some money for NSPCC I know they will appreciate it and that your money really will make a difference. Your donation will also significantly spur me on as I continue to prepare for my 2014 marathon challenge. So if you are able to donate, thank you!

I will be adding some pictures and updates to this site along the way, and also posting some real-time updates via twitter @orchardmark

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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.