James Boyden
Jim Boyden is reluctantly running the London Marathon for Blind Veterans UK!
Fundraising for Blind Veterans UK
Story
Hello. Against my better judgement, I have somehow been convinced to run the 26.2 mile London Marathon in aid of Blind Veterans UK in 2025.
For those of you who know me well, this will be particularly amusing to you, because you will know the utter horror feel when I think of any form of physical exercise.
I mean, this is me, right? I’ve spent my entire life in energy saving mode. I drive to my local shops that are only down the road. I’ve managed to make one pair of trainers last about 30 years, and 20 of those years were spent in the Army. The last marathon I was involved in was covered in chocolate and was renamed Snickers shortly afterwards. Like a sloth, I move everywhere at 50% speed. I once started a marathon training plan and got stuck in a loop between the “rest day” and the “carb loading” day for fifteen years. I don’t really own any running clothes and it’s often hard for people to tell if I’m running or being chased by a murderer.
It's strange really, because I do like all the things about running, except the actual running part. I like eating carbs, wearing comfortable footwear and being cheered for being great. It’s just the old one-foot-in-front-of-the-other bit that proves a bit of a challenge, but I guess that’s what you’re donating for.
In the spirit of all good marathon training plans, day one’s plan is telling everyone I’m running the London Marathon. Days 2 to 342 will be spent carb loading and day 343 will be spent panicking. At some stage, I am sure I will do some sort of training.
So, if you’d like to see me suffer, mile after agonising mile, live on international tv, and in front of the population of London, your donations will greatly help improve the lives of blind veterans in the UK.
As always, I am sure you have many questions, so as always, here are some FAQs:
Q: What the hell Jim? Have you gone mad?
A: Very possibly. I dunno man, as you get older you realise that remaining thin and good looking isn’t forever and you should do what you can, while you should. Especially for a good cause.
Q: That’s true. Why Blind Veterans UK then?
A: I got involved with Blind Veterans UK a few years back and I’ve been amazed at how brilliant the veterans are. With or without sight, servicemen and servicewomen are always the same – a wicked sense of humour and always cheerful and they don’t let a little thing like being blind stop them. I remember meeting the legend that is Billy Baxter last year – blind as a bat and somehow the world record speed holder for a blind bloke on a motorbike. Madness.
Q: Can I find out more about the work of Blind Veterans UK?
A: Sure. You can find out more at: blindveterans.org.uk and follow them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/blindveteransuk
Q: Is this the start of a newer, more active Jim?
A: Probably not. Someone meet me at the finish line with a cheeseburger and some beer please.
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