The rumours are true. During a moment of insanity, I volunteered to run the 2012 London Marathon! And to make matters worse, Colin, my ever-considerate brother and veteran of the Berlin marathon, is running it too, just to show me how easy it is.

It is well known that both of us have strong connections with the sea, hence our decision to run on behalf of the Sailors’ Society. With 95% of global trade done over the oceans and the UK being one of the biggest importers of goods from around the world, male and female seafarers often spend up to a year away from their families and homes to ensure that we can benefit from the essential and non-essential goods that are transported to the UK via ships. As you read this, take a few seconds to have a look around the room you are in and the items within it. The vast majority of them are here thanks to the efforts of such seafarers. Indeed, the very computer you are using to read this page was most likely brought to these shores from the Far East on a cargo ship.

The Sailors’ Society provides invaluable and precious welfare support for merchant seafarers and their families in times of need. While such mariners do not hit the headlines by fighting wars and going to battle, they provide a service that is fundamental to the fabric of British life. To find out more about this very worthy cause, please visit www.sailors-society.org.

It is our goal to highlight the great work that the Sailors’ Society performs on daily basis for hundreds of sailors and their families, while raising as much money as possible for the charity which relies solely on donations.

As such, we’re going to run the full 26 miles in full naval uniform and the training will begin in earnest shortly for the marathon which takes place on April 22nd. Any contribution you can make will be greatly appreciated and make a real difference to the lives of those who spend their careers at sea.

Thank you in advance,
Ross and Colin Thorburn.