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Mark had the vascular form of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) which was formally known as EDS type IV. This form of EDS leads to weakening of blood vessels which are then liable to rupture at some point. This is what proved fatal for Mark. He left behind his wife Judi and two children Tom and Rachel. EDS is a genetic condition where offspring have a 50% chance of inheriting it. Tom and Rachel have both been tested to see if they have EDS and unfortunately Tom’s test came back positive. Tom is in his mid-twenties and leads a very active life but medically has an uncertain future. As with anyone else with this form of EDS Tom does not know when it will strike; there are no symptoms leading up to a rupture. He therefore wears a bracelet at all times alerting any medics of his condition should he collapse.

Hopefully, with research, this condition can be treated in the future. It is too late for Mark but perhaps, with your help, we can give Tom, and many others, hope for a long and full life.     Howard

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This will be my first marathon since Edinburgh 2008. It was while training for this race that I ruptured a tendon in my left foot. The actual injury was not diagnosed for over a year and only after I asked for an MRI scan. I went on to run the marathon, with foot heavily strapped, in a personal best time of 3 hours, 43 minutes and 23 seconds. Since then I have had an operation on my foot and it has taken several years to fully recover. It is only in the last 18 months that I have been able to run enough miles in training to contemplate running another marathon. I am aiming to complete London 2015 in under 4 hours, it will be a challenge; it will be interesting!

I Did it!
What a great day. It all went pretty much according to plan, apart from being tripped up after two and a half miles. The weather was kind and the crowds were fantastic. I also saw my supporters at three points along the course. I managed to keep a very even pace throughout and finished in 3 hours; 58 minutes; 6 seconds, just inside my four hour target so I am very pleased.

Training update April 21st (5 days to go!)

Three gentle miles this morning. Beautiful weather, a joy to be out. This was probably my last run before the big day. I'm having an hour long sports massage tomorrow afternoon. In the morning I am going to pick up my running number and timing chip from the London Marathon Expo. I'm getting very excited and just a bit nervous.

Training update March 31st (less than 4 weeks to go)

This is my last full week of training before the "Taper" i.e. slowly reducing my running so that I am fit but rested before the big day. I ran 20 miles on Saturday in 3 hours 10 minutes which felt really good and has given me a little confidence boost. I went out and bought some new running shoes this morning. There is just enough time to wear them in before the marathon but it will be good to have newish shoes with a bit of spring in them on the day. Last week we were in Devon with Judi and Tom who as always were perfect hosts. We were lucky with the weather and spent a lot of time walking; such a beautiful place.

Training Update March 23rd (5 weeks to go!):

I have had a few difficult weeks with a bit of a cold followed by two weeks with heavier than normal work load and very long days so my mileage was halved for that period. I only have 2 more weeks of intense training then I begin "The Taper". I am planning 20 miles this coming weekend. I'm getting quite nervous now.

Training update February 12th:

20 miles! It took nearly 3 hours and 20 minutes but that was the plan anyway. It felt relatively comfortable so I am very pleased.  5k Parkrun this Saturday perhaps. That should get the heart and lungs working!

Training update February 5th:

I am now running over 30 miles a week. I have run 18 miles three times and am now working on getting my speed up. It is cold out there but I have been lucky with the weather and had some glorious runs along the Thames.

Training update December 15th:

Up to about 25 miles a week now with my longest run yet last Tuesday of 18 miles. I will be running less over the next two weeks with work and Christmas, but ready for some big miles in January.

Mark's daughter Rachel stayed with us yesterday. She was in great spirits and it was lovely to see her again.