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Marathon completed in 4 hours 56 minutes in stormy conditions. I finished soaked but elated.

Thank you to everyone that has donated so far.

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Hello!

I'm going to attempt to run the Snowdonia Marathon on 25th October 2008 in aid of raising money for Acorns Children's Hospice Trust. Yes that's the same "Acorns" that's emblazoned across the front of Aston Villa's shirts. Check out their website to see the incredible work they do http://www.acorns.org.uk/

Those of you that know me will be aware that I've had my fair share of illness both currently and in years gone by. I had 2 goals I set myself whilst recovering in hospital after my operation in 2004, the first was to be well enough to climb Snowdon, which I've since done twice, and the second was to run a marathon. So to now be (hopefully) fit enough to not only complete a marathon but also raise money for those less fortunate than myself is a real landmark for me.

The marathon course is the full 26 miles and 385 yards, and is billed as the toughest mountain road marathon in Europe. It's got three massive uphill climbs as it follows the roads around Snowdon. It starts in Nant Peris, up the Pass of Llanberis (4 miles of uphill running), down the road on the eastern side of Snowdon to Beddgelert, then turns westwards and climbs uphill towards the village of Wanfawr, then at 22 miles we turn north and ascend a killer steep hill, over the top and down into Llanberis to the finish.

I've been training hard since May 2008 and hopefully I'll be able to complete the course in less than 5 hours without crying for me mum!

Can I ask you to be as generous as possible in donating money to a very worthwhile cause? It will help motivate me when I'm hitting the wall just as I start to climb the killer hill out of Wanfawr.

I've consulted with the staff at Acorns, and I've been informed that donations through Justgiving are the most efficient method of claiming Gift Aid back from the government, despite Justgiving's 5% fee.

So please sponsor me now and please tick the Gift Aid box!