Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

Well I have completed my first London Marathon – What a fantastic day, all the hard work of training over the winter months had finally paid off. Standing on the start I just knew this was going to be a special event, looking around it is evident in what you about to put yourself through. Reading so many heart warming messages on peoples T-shirts running for loved ones just gave me the inspiration to succeed.

The marathon itself was just an awesome experience no other word to describe it. My race plan was to get to the halfway mark “Tower Bridge” in 2.30hours which I achieved bang on schedule, although it was getting hotter. The atmosphere was electric, live music and entertainment around the course was amazing. Around the 16 – 18mile I could see noticeably runners were slowing or stopping due to the heat and other factors, the Wall I guess. Well this happened to me around 18miles, something tells you that you have to stop and stop I did, so I walked and jogged for the next 3miles reaching 21miles in 4.40hours, at this stage the time was not important but just to finish. The support from the crowd at this point, cheering my name was absolutely brilliant, the words of encouragement inspired me to start to run again. Seeing one of Lisa’s closest friends Claire at the 25mile mark really gave me a lift and the energy to get me to the end. Turning the corner onto the Mall and reading the 385yards banner I could see the finish line, but spotting my Dad and Susan in the grandstand really topped the day off for me. The Finish!

I set myself a target time of 5hours 30mins, but due to the heat I managed it in 5hours 48mins according to the London Marathon website “Well that my excuse anyway” but my stopwatch said 5hours 40mins “So I’m sticking by that”

Sunday the 26th April 2009 will always be a day I remember, and will treasure it for the rest of my life. The money received from my fundraising events and the marathon will be in excess of £6000.00. I realise that I could not have done this without your support, the money you kindly donated to my cause gave me the drive and determination to complete it, so THANK YOU!

Lisa was an active fundraiser through her illness for Cancer Research Wales; she always wanted to give something back to help others who lives are directly affected by cancer. The research that Cancer Research Wales are conducting has the potential to help millions of people in the future. Cancer Research Wales rely totally on the generosity of you the public for support and currently require £2 Million every year to meet their commitments in Wales.

I hope you have enjoyed following me on my marathon journey and helping me to raise much needed funds for Cancer Research Wales. I have been very fortunate in meeting so many lovely people in you from this experience, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all once again for your support.

One last person to thank and that is Lisa - My inspiration for getting me to where I am today, god bless you xxx

Thanks,
Stu x

P.S. It’s not too late to sponsor me!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research Wales will get 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. (28p added to every £ raised) PLEASE GIFT AID YOUR DONATION, Cancer Research Wales will benefit to the full effect.

If you would like further details on Cancer Research Wales, please visit http://www.cancerresearchwales.co.uk/