Well, yesterday was the big day and after much nervousness we finally made it to the starting line of the London Marathon.  Friends who had run it before had told me what an amazing experience it would be and it certainly lived up to expectations; the crowds, the atmosphere and seeing London on foot in the sunshine was quite incredible.  However, it was also the hardest and most gruelling challenge I have ever undertaken.  I really had to dig in after 21 miles and it took all my grit and determination to see it through.  I could never have managed it without our amazing supporters complete with massive banner, caps and noisy banging things; although they were loving the sunshine it made running more difficult!  I crossed the line with my running mate and great friend Nicky at 5hours 14mins, a little slower than our target but ahead of the camel and the man with the fridge on his back that you can see in the photos!  Thank you for all your amazing support and encouragement, it has really been appreciated.  Once I have collected in some final pledges I will have raised over £10k for Camp Simcha which they are delighted about.

You will be pleased to hear that I definitely will not be doing another marathon.  This really was a one-off for my 50th birthday. Off for a massage now!

Louise x