Peter Mattessi
Peter's Marathon Madness
Fundraising for BBC Children in Need
Story
You may recall that some months ago I gushed enthusiastically about the adrenaline rush of finishing the Royal Parks Half Marathon. Oh, how I prattled on about the sense of accomplishment, the fun of the day, the chafing snugness of my fetching Pudsey vest.
It lasted a while, as well, that adrenaline. Until I got a place in the Marathon and, shortly afterwards, collapsed in a fit of blind panic. How the bloody hell was I going to run 26.2 miles? I only just made half way. And even then my legs had basically solidified from the torment. My life flashed before my eyes. Well, not strictly my life as much as a flickering zoetrope of horrific marathon-related images. Radcliffe ducking off-piste for a sneaky pee, countless finishers collapsing at the line in exhaustion, Rob DeCastella in the Brisbane Commonwealth Games sponging his legs down as he ran because - and there is no nice way to say this - he'd soiled himself. So come April 26, that's going to be me.
But you too can be a part of this thrilling escapade! Because not only do I have the joy of running through snow and past frozen lakes in Hampstead Heath of a Saturday morning, I have to raise £1500 for Children In Need for the privilege. I know, and am very grateful, that many of you generously contributed to my Half-Marathon Fund, but this is your opportunity to honour the New Year's Resolution you made to give more to charity. I'm planning quiz nights and bake sales and various other fundraising schemes, but the bedrock of Children In Need is still individual donations. So please dig deep for Pudsey's sake.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: BBC Children in Need 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.
Can't say fairer than that.
It lasted a while, as well, that adrenaline. Until I got a place in the Marathon and, shortly afterwards, collapsed in a fit of blind panic. How the bloody hell was I going to run 26.2 miles? I only just made half way. And even then my legs had basically solidified from the torment. My life flashed before my eyes. Well, not strictly my life as much as a flickering zoetrope of horrific marathon-related images. Radcliffe ducking off-piste for a sneaky pee, countless finishers collapsing at the line in exhaustion, Rob DeCastella in the Brisbane Commonwealth Games sponging his legs down as he ran because - and there is no nice way to say this - he'd soiled himself. So come April 26, that's going to be me.
But you too can be a part of this thrilling escapade! Because not only do I have the joy of running through snow and past frozen lakes in Hampstead Heath of a Saturday morning, I have to raise £1500 for Children In Need for the privilege. I know, and am very grateful, that many of you generously contributed to my Half-Marathon Fund, but this is your opportunity to honour the New Year's Resolution you made to give more to charity. I'm planning quiz nights and bake sales and various other fundraising schemes, but the bedrock of Children In Need is still individual donations. So please dig deep for Pudsey's sake.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: BBC Children in Need 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.
Can't say fairer than that.