08.05.10 - We have finally done it! And what a journey it's been - driving 5000 miles through 4 countries!

We ran the Maratona d'Europa in Trieste, Italy on Sunday 2 May. We got up at 5.30am, ready to leave the hotel at 6.45am because the buses were leaving at 7.00am to take us to the start. The atmosphere was good with lots of runners stretching and jogging around the park near the start area. We lined up at 8.50am as the TV helicopters flew overhead. The starter's pistol went at 9.00am and we were away! The course was interesting, through villages at first with a few spectators. We got a good cheer because we were wearing our Cancer Research UK vests with our

names on the front. As we were the only UK entries, the official photographers took quite a few photos of us around the route (you can have a look on www.fotoeventi.com). After 21km, there weren't any more spectators until the end so that part of the race was very tough. At 39km we entered Trieste (what a relief!) and knew we were on the home straight. The finish line was in a beautiful Italian Piazza and it looked amazing. We crossed the line together in a time of 3 hrs 56 mins and 13 secs. Our medals were thrust into our hands and that was it - it was done! I was ecstatic with my time and so thankful to have had Tony by my side to pull me along with his encouragement. My legs ached for 2 days but the achievement will last forever.

 

Thank you to everyone who has sponsored and supported us. Rosemary, I did it for you!!

 

17.04.10 - Well here we are, the day before the BIG ONE and we are stuck abroad with no flights entering the UK because of the volcanic ash situation. We are absolutely gutted. Sixteen weeks of training with nowhere to run. Thanks to everyone who has sponsored us and given to Cancer Research UK. Your money has gone to a great cause and we WILL do a marathon somewhere in the world to show our appreciation.

Our Story

We are really excited to be taking part in the first ever Brighton Marathon on Sunday 18 April 2010. It's my (Angie) first full marathon & I am extremely nervous about running 26.2 miles (42 kilometres). The more I think of the distance, the worse I feel. I am hoping to do it in 4 hours or less and my training has already started. Tony's an experienced marathon and ultra runner so he's not too nervous, although he's not been able to run for a few months on medical advice after suffering an Achilles injury in a 5 day ultra trail in Spain in July 2009.

We have chosen to run for Cancer Research UK because it's an illness that has affected quite a few good friends and family over a number of years and we really want to help support a worthy cause that has helped people close to us. 

We lost a good friend, Barbara, to cancer four years ago, after a very short illness which took us all by surprise. Then last year another close friend, Rosemary was diagnosed with cancer and, after fighting the illness for 18 months, she sadly passed away in September this year and will be sadly missed.

Also this year, we received some devastating news from Tony's best mate from the Forces. At only 44 years of age, recently married and with two young children, Jarvo was diagnosed with liver cancer and things did not look good. We are pleased to say that fortunately, after receiving several treatments of chemotherapy, Jarvo is back at work part time and the outlook is positive for him and his family. One thing Tony remembers Jarvo saying in the initial phone call when he told us the bad news was "live life to the full while you can".

Whatever you can give to support the charity and help people with this devastating illness will be very much appreciated. 

Thanks

Angie & Tony xx

 

 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.