Folks,

Thank you for visiting this page.

I have decided to take part in SHINE 2012 in an effort to raise money for Cancer Research. Many of you will remember that I have taken part in similar events previously and so many of you reading this will have very kindly sponsored me in years gone by for this most worthy of causes.

This year, I will be walking the full Marathon distance (26 and a bit miles) through the city of Manchester at night, passing all manner of well known landmarks. The event takes place on Saturday the 8th of September 2012 starting at 8.30pm and you can find the route and lots more information on the main SHINE website by clicking below...

www.shine.cancerresearchuk.org/

My reasons for doing this are similar to so many of the other people who will be taking part, namely our friends and family have been, and continue to be, affected by this disease.

Slowly but surely the chances of surviving cancer are improving. Early diagnosis and treatment, particularly for young people with their lives still in front of them, are subjects particularly close to my heart, and Cancer Research undoubtedly leads the way world-wide in this area.

Any amount you can give will be much appreciated and will keep me going through the night. Donating this way through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research UK gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer,please remember to tick the Gift Aid box when donating as this will increase your donation by at least 25% at no cost to you.

Thanks for your time and your support.

Regards,

Mark

 

***UPDATE - 09/09/2012***

Folks,

My Manchester SHINE Marathon Walk in aid of Cancer Research has been done!

I managed to complete the whole walk, although my feet are a bit sore and my legs a bit stiffer than is ideal currently!

The reason I support Cancer Research is both my wife Jo, and my mother, Barbara, have suffered from cancers of various types but both have survived and are several years clear (fingers crossed). My Grandmother died of cancer though, as did one of my dearest friends, Ann Gorman, who was also an ex-Cheshire Police Officer - Constable 1749 for those of you who might have known her. Ann died tragically young of breast cancer in 1998 aged just 36. Too many other friends have also been affected.

Stiff legs and sore feet are put firmly into context by what some people suffer. Cancer is a disease that can be beaten, and I want to do what I can to assist in that regard.

Thank you so much for all of you who have sponsored me either via the "Just Giving" website or via the good old fashioned list method. I will collect the money from you in due course, or it is still not too late to sponsor me if you haven't already. This website will remain active for some time or just let me know if you wish to donate in cash.

I've attached some pictures, one of me at the start (9pm exactly last Saturday night) in front of Manchester United's ground at Old Trafford (where it started and finished) and one at the end when I finished the 26.2 miles. As a Manchester City supporter, I've never been so pleased to see United's ground!

The route started at Old Trafford, out through Salford Quays and the BBC Media City, passed the Imperial War Museum and then back through the middle of the city centre by the Bridgewater Hall and then out of town down Oxford Road, out through the "Curry Mile" of Rusholme where plenty of Saturday night revellers were out and about. We then walked out as far as Withington to the Paterson Institute for Cancer Research.

We then walked back into the city centre down Oxford Road again where a very, very drunk - but very affable - young man insisted on giving me all the money he had left in the world after his night out for Cancer Research - £2.83 in loose change!

The route then went out of the city to the East via St Peter's Square, the Printworks cinema, Manchester Cathedral and the M.E.N. Arena before going to the East of the city and my favourite part - Man City's ground, the Etihad Stadium, at 19 miles in, which I passed at 3.05am!

We then looped around Collyhurst and Cheetham Hill before coming back into town via Deansgate and out through Salford to Old Trafford to finish at 05:59am, 26 miles and 385 yards after starting…

The whole walk took me 8hrs 59m, a personal best for a not-as-fit-as-he-was 50 year old!

Thanks again for all your help. 

Regards,

Mark