Hi everyone!

Crazy as it may seem I have decided to run my first marathon at age 50! I am training hard for the London Marathon in April 2009. I am running 5 times a week, come rain or shine. The training is going well and you may see me running around Caversham of an evening. I have just completed the Reading Half Marathon in 2 hrs 2 mins!!!

I have decided to use the opportunity to raise funds for the National Eczema Society. As some of you may know my father died in October 2008. He was a strong man throughout his life but suffered from a number of serious medical problems in later life. Of all the things he suffered from the one that caused him the most problems was eczema. Try to imagine your whole body itching and having to cover yourself with creams and bandages several times a day. Imagine not being able to go near the gas cooker because you are covered in paraffin wax. Imagine all this whilst you are a full time carer for your wife. Makes you think.

Please be generous and help me to support this worthwhile cause. I will do my best to complete the course and make my father proud. 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: National Eczema Society gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now! John