Hi,

On April 25th I ran my 8th London Marathon, my 5th for the wonderful children's medical research charity SPARKS, raising over £7,700. 

I ran the damn race in 3 hours 37 minutes and 47 seconds, just over my personal best. Never mind, I'll be back next year to sort THAT out.

The generosity of my sponsors means that, one week after the race, I have raised over £1800 for SPARKS. I'm enormously grateful to every one of them/you.

I have been fortunate to have visited some hospitals and learn about the research projects which SPARKS directly funds. This research not only helps children in the UK, but sick children all over the world, and some of it is quite remarkable. You can follow the links on this page if you would like to know more.

I hope you will be able to sponsor me and SPARKS - I promise you that any amount, however small, is a constant motivation. Particularly in those darker places that one goes to in the race. PARTICULARLY then.

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 SPARKS 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.

If you donate, you will receive an automated message of thanks, but I will try to contact everyone individually - and after the race too.

I've been moaning about the training on Twitter and I'll be on there moaning about the race too. Not during it though. I am @Tonygardner 

Cheers,

Tony