Well folks, the time has come to raise the roof and have some fun! Actually the words from that famous Lionel Richie track could not be further from the truth.I am now 56 years old and the last time I did any serious running must have been about 20 years ago. I managed to run about 5 miles and it nearly killed me, I think it took me about a week to recover and that was that.Nothing since

Trust me when I tell you this half marathon will be a nightmare but it’s a challenge I willing to take on because ,from my point of view, one day any one of us may be in the unfortunate position that we may need to use the services of the Sue Ryder foundation to help us or one of our loved ones get through some of the most difficult times of our lives.

Just to add to the challenge I currently suffer from asthma, I cracked my ankle last year, my knees ache, I get back ache etc etc etc. I have been bigging myself up to everyone about the half marathon challenge but I will have to be honest it’s going to be a very tough call. I was recently talking to my old mate Malc who is not shy of a challenge or two and he told me he once ran the Cheltenham half marathon in 1hr 44 minutes back in 1982. So just to up the anti I have set myself the ridiculous challenge of finishing in 1hr 43 minutes. That time is my motivation and it’s caused some amusement and as such I have now been nick named Mo Mark, as in Mo Farah!. I agree 1hr 43 minutes is probably not going to happen but if anyone wishes to make a donation no matter how small towards my challenge to raise money for the Sue Ryder Foundation then that alone will give me the motivation I need. Please help me along because as I have already said it is going to be a very serious challenge for me but that’s nothing compared to the challenge other people are facing. My training starts on the 5th July.  By the way I’m the one on the right, Harvey is the handsome one on the left!!Please Read below about the Sue Ryder Foundation

Sue Ryder supports people through the most difficult times of their lives. Whether that’s a terminal illness, the loss of a loved one or a neurological condition – they’re there when it matters. Their doctors, nurses and carers give people the compassion and expert care they need to help them live the best life they possibly can.