Hi There.Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am running the Great South Run on Sunday 25 October 2009. It is a 10 mile run and I completed it last year in 1:59:40 (see the photo!). Stupidly I allowed Marty to talk me into running again this year! I guess I had better try and beat that time, but as ever if I make it across the finish line at all then I will be happy.

UPDATE: Tough race this year! Wind was against us for the last 2 miles and it took it our of me! 3 mins slower this year at 2:02 but I did it!! I have added the photo above to prove it, pictured with my little fan club!

Thank you so much to everyone for your donations, every penny is so important and will be put to good use by NPDG(UK).

 

Last year I raised money for CLIC Sargent and I wasn't going to run for a charity this year but I am now running to raise money for Niemann-Pick Disease Group (UK).

Sadly the reason I am now raising money for charity is because "Uncle" Roger Franklin sadly passed away this year on 2 September 2009, after a long illness. Roger was not affected by Niemann-Pick Diseases but he had been very much involved in helping the charity and the family of his great friend, Bill Owen. Roger asked that instead of flowers for his funeral he wanted his friends and family to make donations to Niemann-Pick Disease Group (UK). With Ann's blessing I will try and raise some money in his memory on my (very slow!) run.

There are three recognised forms of Niemann-Pick Disease, Niemann-Pick Type A, B and C. In Niemann-Pick Type A an affected child will usually die before reaching three years of age. Niemann-Pick Type B does not affect the brain and, although growth may be slow, those affected will survive into adolescence or early adulthood,  with many being able to lead a full and normal life. In Niemann-Pick Type C, the brain and other organs are affected, leading to progressive intellectual decline, loss of motor skills, seizures and dementia. Speech can become slurred and swallowing problems may develop. The rate at which the disease progresses varies greatly between patients; children who develop neurological symptoms in early childhood are thought to have a more aggressive form of the disease, others may remain symptom free for many years. The aim of the Niemann-Pick Disease Group (UK) is to make a positive difference to families affected by the disease through the provision of Care, Information and Research.

They are a small charity but do great work so if you can spare a few pounds then that would be great.

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.

Cheers, Andy.