Hi, thanks so much for visiting my page... 

Am I totally mad?

Off my rocker doing this?!

Maybe just a lil bit bonkers....  But when you're gonna do something and push yourself, why not do it for a good cause.

I'm about to start my training this week, I've never run a marathon before and the words I've always uttered when someone said I should do something like this is, "I couldn't possibly run for any length of time unless I'm chasing a ball"...

Well I'm not going to be bouncing a basketball round come April 13th next year!

But I am gonna do it, I'm determined!  And with your support by sponsoring me here online, no matter how little, will really help.

(Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Phab will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you!)

Update 03/01/2008

Well that's Birthday, Christmas and New Year out the way.  Training is going well, but still need more sponsors.  Time to get on the promotion tip..  If you're reading this now and still not sponsored me, please do, even the smallest amount will help..  Thank you.

Update 13/01/2008

Wow what a ten days, listened to a Veteran who had done this before and she recommended a different training plan which is really working for me.  So thank you, you know you are!  Thanks to my Mum for helping me get some new running shoes with proper support so that I can avoid those nasty injuries.  Running is going really well, I'm starting to really enjoy it, always feel like I can do more, but just pacing myself still.  I got lost in some very rough areas in B'ham one night and consequently increased my speed. 

Did a long run today, it was cold, I have a cold, lots of rubbish on my mind and I really didn't fancy it.  But all of you really helped, I was looking at who had sponsored  me /your comments and it really pushed me on.  Did a hilly run for an hour and twenty minutes, was taking it easy and according to the route planner did about 10miles so I'm very proud!

Thank you again

Update 12/02/2008

Had a horrible cold, but it's a distant memory now as I'm back on track with my training!  I'm really enjoying it and thank everyone again for their constant support!

Update 6/03/2008

Just like the song says, I just "keep on running".  I'm feeling great.. The odd lil niggle here and there, but I achieved 15miles last week and survived!  Thank you again for sponsoring me.

I'm running in the half marathon at Silverstone this weekend (if you're in the area).  I'll update you with how I get on.

All yr lovely messages really help and I had a good session with my running Coach checking out my technique and she seemed suitably impressed and I'll now be running in the Sportsrelief run too!

Update 11th March

Well I completed the Silverstone Half Marathon in 1.48, so I'm extremely happy and proud. I was aiming for 1.45, so given the slight groin strain that wasn't too bad.

It was quite windy, but apart from that a beautiful day. My Dad came along to watch and he said I looked quite comfortable and I even managed a sprint finish.

As it was my first time I learnt loads about running in an organised event, how much fluid and food to take on before and during the run.

So now that I've proved I can do half the distance and I've reached over half my target, I now just have to train harder and hope that some of you lovely people who haven't donated yet, will do soon..  And a huge thank you again for all the running tips and support.  Only 4 and a half weeks to go!

Update 19th March

Wow, massive week last week, I tipped £1000 in sponsorship, thank you so much to every one of you who have sponsored me so far. That's just amazing, I feel super confident about reaching my target.

Also I got the chance to do the Sportsrelief 6 mile run on Sunday, which again was good practise of running in an organised event and running with a running partner was really good fun.
I also met Denise Lewis and Rusty Lee!!

Inspired by all of that, the day after I ran for 3 hours non-stop. I'm still trying to work out the exact distance that I did (somewhere around the 20 mile mark)

But I have to say I still felt relatively human at the end and could've carried on..  Just had a bit of a comedy walk!

Update 4th April

8 days to go.... Apologies for no update last week, was a bit mental and unfortunately no running to report about! I had a short fast run at the start of the week and a cramping pain in my right foot all week long that just wouldn't go. After an expensive (but worth every penny) trip to the physio I found out that the muscles on the bottom of my foot were tightening up and refusing to loosen. Basically I was told this is one of many things that can happen when increasing your training. So I soaked it a lot, got it strapped up and rested... I have to say it was pretty gutting. Now it's still not perfect, but I'm easing back into it again for the last few days...

I am feeling confident about the big day, I'm excited and looking forward to seeing a few of you along the way!

But again my biggest thing has been the donations. Just awesome, thank you for your support. Special thanks to Craig and Ruth for taking the time to flog loads of my stuff on ebay.

There's still time to sponsor me, I'm super close to my target and no matter what you donate will help, so really, really please do!

Update 11th April

Two days to go, that’s right only TWO whole days till the Marathon .  I am so excited, I couldn’t even begin to describe it.  I’ve been along and registered at the Marathon Expo, my number is 48390.  I feel great, I feel strong and confident.

I know that I’ll be seeing some of you there, but if you can’t make it and have BBC interactive at home (the red button!), allegedly if you press it and then enter my number you’ll be able to see me crossing the line.

If you haven’t sponsored me yet, there’s still time.  I know a few of you have promised me and I would love it if you could do it before the big day for me.  Just do it now and it will take you all of 5mins to do.  Even the smallest amount will help and I’m hoping to raise £2000 by Sunday.

Update 14th April

I did it!
I wanted to update this yesterday, but to be honest I was too pre-occupied having burgers, beers and a looooong hot bath.

What a fantastic day, what an amazing and emotional experience.

Thank you for your support, kind texts, well wishes, sponsorship and coming to see me in the rain if you made it.

I exceeded my charity target, I said I wanted to raise £2000 by Sunday and with the help of all of you and Nokia offering to put some money in for using their Sportstracker software, I did just that!
(and if you still want to sponsor me, this page stays open for about a month longer)

At the race I didn't quite get under the 4 hours that I wanted, I missed it by 11 mins, but I pretty much "Forrest Gumped" the mall, never walked and loved every minute of it.

I'm feeling a lil bit stiff and chafed today, but overall a great sense of achievement.

I'd definitely do it again....