Update - 18/4/2011

My legs are aching, my blisters sore and most of my toe nails are hanging off after running the London marathon yesterday. However, it was all well worth it and one of the best experiences of my life. The atmosphere and support around the course was fantastic.

Overall, I was pleased with how I ran. Unfortunately, I started quite far down the field and and had to get through alot of traffic, which made life difficult. It was also quite hot and I ended up "hitting the wall" at 22 miles. I had to walk for a while, but was able to start running again by mile 23 and think the last 3 1/2 miles were probably my fastest of the race. I ended up finishing in 4 hours 12 minutes and 19 seconds, which was outside of my target of 4 hours, but not too bad for a first attempt by a man of my advancing years!

I am very grateful to everyone that has supported and sponsored me for the race. In particular, I would like to thank my wife Jane and my daughters, Molly and Emma, for sparing me all the time that I had to train over the last 6 months. I also thank my brother in law Gary for his training advice, although it did not enable me to beat his best time! However, I am proud of what I have acheived and the money that I have raised for Macmillan in memory of the support that they gave to my Mum. The whole experience has been great and shown me that, if you put your mind to something, you can acheive it.

Thanks again to everyone. I am now looking forward to some well earned rest and a few beers!

First update - Decemebr 2010

Thanks for visiting my JustGiving page.

I will be 40 in February 2011 (I know I look a lot younger!). It will also be 20 years since my Mum, Margaret, unfortunately became ill with Asbestosis. She received fantastic care and support from Macmillan Cancer Support nurses throughout her illness which enabled her to remain at home close to her family and friends up until she died in May 1992.

I decided to run the London Marathon in April 2011 to try to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of Mum and the care and support that they provided to her. I have trouble running a bath, let alone a marathon! However, I am determined to do well for this very good cause, as well as to prove that I am not totally past it at turning 40!   

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 please dig deep and donate now. I am very grateful for any money you are able to give and thank you for your support.

Rob