After last years deferral from the London marathon due to injury, I was in decent shape and all geared up ready to start my training schedule on 1st June 2022 and bang I get injured again. A sign from above or maybe just the realities of being an old fella trying to run. A month out with a nasty injected knee and suddenly my planned 16 week training block was down to 12 weeks. Chin(s) up, shoulders back and just get on with it then. So that is what I have done. Not really enough time if I am totally honest but unlike Cher I cannot turn back time but I feel one way or another (no that is Blondie isn't it) I will get these 26.2 miles done in London on 2nd October, 10 years after I last did the event. I must say marathon training aged 44 seemed a bit easier than marathon training aged 54 and hopefully someone from Stannah reads this and is up for a post event freebie ;-)

Anyway I am delighted to say I will be running on behalf of Global’s Make Some Noise, a fantastic charity that supports many smaller charities across the UK including food banks, mental health, domestic abuse helplines, carer support, community projects, and employment programmes.

I really wanted to put my efforts to some good but also I really didn't want to let anyone down by fundraising and pulling out of the event so I have been doing what I can personally through my risk free betting service so at least I have a few quid to kick things off before launching this page. I fully appreciate as we lurch from one massive Tory shitshow to new one, the reality of the times we are in and that are coming down the line, so it is difficult to ask people for money so anything at all will be massively appreciated and I promise, unlike my racing tips, I will give you a good run for your money!

Right then that's it, I can train no more so lets at least try and not get injured between now and getting to the start line!

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.