Jonathan Tombs
"Just London"
Fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
So, what running challenges have I got lined up for 2014?
Well, I'm planning to "just" do the London Marathon this year. I say "just", I have plans for another big mountain run possibly later in the year but am trying to get back running after a knee injury so can't commit to this at this stage.
I am having to run well within myself at the moment to not over do it and aggravate the knee, so the "just London" should be "London...just" in that I aim to do just enough to get round. So this could actually prove to be one of my hardest years as mentally I have to accept that I won't be setting any persoanl best times.
But I keep reminding myself that a painful run is nothing compared with the suffering experienced by those with cancer which is ultimately the reason why I run the marathon.
So 13th April 2014 will see me run my 16th consecutive London Marathon. This is by far my longest sequence of years for an individual event and one I am immensely proud of, to have been fit to run each year, and to not be noticeably slowing up - last year was my 4th fastest time. Being able to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support is the biggest factor in running the marathon each year.
Last year, with your considerable support, saw me raise £3,600 for Macmillan Cancer Support as I completed both the London Marathon and "Jon's Big Mountain Run" around the lakes. This brought the 15 year total raised for Macmillan to £42,700. I am massively indebted to everyone who supports me in giving me the motivation to get out and train in all conditions for these challenges.
This year I aim to raise a further £2,500 for the amazing work which Macmillan Cancer Support do in supporting those with cancer and their families.
In the past I have always said that I run for Macmillan because of losing my Mum to cancer in 1989. This is still a massive reason behind me running for Macmillan, but over the last 15 years lots of you have told me of family and friends who have suffered from cancer. I know some of you have lost loved ones, and some of you have suffered from cancer yourselves. All of your stories serve as new and ongoing inspiration for my running.
I am overwhelmed by people's generosity over the years both financially and in the messages of encouragement and support. I couldn't maintain the enthusiasm I have for running and fundraising without this amazing support.
One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer sometime in their lives. 300,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer every year; 157,000 people in the UK die from cancer every year. Macmillan reach and work with more than one in two people living with cancer, providing support for them and their families.
Please support me and the ongoing incredible work of Macmillan as I attempt to complete this run.
I'll post updates and photos of training and fundraising on this website.
Many thanks.
Jon