Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am trying to raise money for the North West Air Ambulance by running the 2024 London Marathon. I rather naively signed up for the London Marathon having never ran a marathon before, or even a half marathon for that matter. Now in my defence I fully expected to be one of the majority to miss out on a place...… not much of a defence I know.

Since I received the email confirming my place my life has been turned upside down and back again. I apologise in advance but this does come with a sob story, brace yourself! In May this year my Dad came home from work feeling dizzy and unwell. A few doctors appointments later and a cold dread started to creep up on me. His symptoms were worsening and he was sent for cancer tests. On the 28th July 2023 at 7.46am my Dad passed away surrounding by his family. My family were rocked, everything happened so quickly, I've still not come to terms with losing the strongest person I've ever known. He is now my motivation to push myself as hard as I have ever pushed myself before.

At this point, I'm assuming you're wondering why I've chosen The North West Air Ambulance and not a cancer charity. During the several nights, I kept a vigil at my Dads bedside, with my family, conversation inevitably dwelled on my Dad and the past. One of those conversations regarding a previous heart attack my dad had had whilst walking his dog stuck with me. Several years ago, whilst walking his dog along the river Mersey, my Dad had a heart attack. Typical of my Dad he wasn't going to make this easy and had said heart attack miles from anywhere that wasn't remotely accessible for the emergency services. All except the North West Air Ambulance, who landed on the banks of the river and got my Dad to a hospital to receive life saving treatment.

The reason this stuck with me, had they not got to him that day, I would not have so many of the memories I now hold so dear. He would never have met my youngest daughter, or watch my eldest daughter become the beautiful person she is today. That day North West Air Ambulance gave me a gift I can never ever repay. But I'm determined to do one last thing for my Dad, because its the last thing I can do for him now.

Apologies, but I did warn you there was a sob story coming. Honestly any donation no matter how small will be truly appreciated, and if you can't donate leave me a message to help me through the winter training.

Thank you for spending some time reading my story, I truly truly appreciate it.

Peter Pritchard