Part 1. Just before Christmas (18th Dec 2022) I was sitting at home in Quesnel, BC with an outside temperature of -40, having a beer and reading Jesuit Missions magazine. I got to page 21 and read about Alan Fernandes who ran his first London Marathon in 1996 (same as me). In 2022 he ran his tenth London Marathon, and urged those considering joining the Jesuit Missions final marathon team to "Just do it!"

Up to that point I had not been seriously considering running another marathon, though in the back of my mind I always believed that even at age 73 I could do it if I wanted. I got up from my chair (first step) and googled London Marathon to see the date. "Mmm... 23rd April 2023! We're going to be in the UK for my sister's 50th wedding anniversary celebration." Obviously the stars were aligned and from that moment on, I was committed (maybe in more than one sense of the word!).

As I write this (19th Feb 2023) I am exactly half way through my training: 63 days down and 63 more till marathon day. The training is going well, I'm  much fitter and a little lighter than I was at the start. Biggest obstacle is not being able to get out on the roads to do some running due to ice, snow and slush. The treadmill is my new friend.

Part 2. Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Jesuit Missions is a very worthwhile charity. They support 30 projects in 20 different countries helping in disaster relief, working with the poorest and most rejected by society, supporting the most disadvantaged and displaced including, most recently, helping Ukrainian refugees flee the war in their country.  Each year Jesuit Missions announces a theme for the marathon fundraising. This year's theme is Education in South Sudan. Jesuit Missions is working with Jesuits in South Sudan to support people in the world's youngest country as they struggle to overcome the devastating effects of decades of insecurity and civil war. There are about 9 million South Sudanese in need of humanitarian assistance (out of a total population of 12 million). For more details on the Jesuit Missions contribution see:  https://jesuitmissions.org.uk/south-sudan/ , or for more general background information on the situation see:  https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2023/country-chapters/south-sudan#:~:text=The%20country%20experienced%20its%20worst,underdevelopment%2C%20and%20severe%20weather%20conditions. 

Part 3. The most essential part of this story is the generosity of all those who have donated to Jesuit Missions and helped me reach 100% of the target (March 1st 2023). If you are new to this page, don't let the fact that the target has been reached prevent you from adding your support to this very worthwhile cause. Thank you to all those who have contributed so generously and shown your support.