Update: I've completed the London Marathon in 3hours 50mins, complete with sore legs, blisters and sunburn!!!! I even managed to beat marathon celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay on the day !!

Thanks to all of you who supported me in my efforts, I hope this has been a fitting tribute to Mike?  

My name is Graham Hogg, I’m a 39year old Watch Manager with Fife Fire and Rescue Service and after 5 frustrating years of trying to get in, I’ve finally got a place in the London Marathon! A good thing or not? Ask me again on the night of Sunday the 26^th April!

For years I’ve watched thousands run the London Marathon raising much needed funds and awareness for good causes. As a 16 stone former rugby player I’m not exactly built for distance running, although my dog Buster is! To help focus my efforts for  the physical and mental challenge of running 26 miles I aim to raise money for a very worth while charity namely MND Scotland, a charity that supports people with Motor Neurone Disease.

My efforts are in memory of Mike Bitcon, Fife Fire & Rescue Services last Firemaster who whilst working with him became a good friend. Those of you who knew Mike will know that I’m doing this in memory of a man who took the time to listen to people, was open to new innovative ideas to make the fire service better and was always there to support the people around him.

Originally fromPreston, Mike started as a Junior Fireman with Lancashire County Fire Brigade in 1968. In 1974 he transferred to Greater Manchester Fire Service where he moved up through the ranks. He was appointed Deputy Firemaster of Dumfries and Galloway Fire and rescue Service in 1998 until his Firemasters promotion toFifein 2002. Described as a “Fireman’s Firemaster” Mike was awarded to Queens Fire Service Medal for 35 years devotion to the nations Fire Services.

What is MND?

Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is the name given to a group of diseases which destroy the motor nerves (neurones) in the body. Symptoms vary, but among them, MND can cause paralysis, impairs breathing, prohibits speech, and causes eating and drinking difficulties. As MND progresses, the motor neurones of the body are gradually damaged. This blocks the stimulating signals from the brain reaching the muscles, causing them to weaken. For more information on the condition and work of the charity log on to www.mndscotland.org.uk

Although the Marathon will be an incredible challenge no doubt resulting in a fair bit of blood sweat and tears, the difficulties that I will have to overcome will be nothing compared to what those battling the effects of MND and their families go through everyday. With your support and help in raising money for MND I hope “we can achieve what I alone can’t”- one of Mike’s quotes

Thank you for your support and remember                                                

                                 ‘any little  helps’!                                                                                                                                                               I hope that my efforts can help those dealing with this condition every day.

 Graham Hogg.