After many years of injury and frustration ,including hobbling around the New York in 2004, I have decided to try and put some training in for this years London Marathon. I hope the many injuries I have suffered over the last few years do not reappear:but my lunchtime running pals from the Insurance Industry in London do their best to keep me going.. Those  of you  who use to train with me on those wintry nights at Ashton and thru' the mud of Epping Forest know the effort we all put in and the times we all recorded. Today, with those times ,we would be running  and winning top class races . All those miles though have taken their toll - my legs have had it!!.Its tough coming back from almost a standing start but I have chosen to do it for a good reason. A close friend of mine has recently lost her mother . Sadly, Margaret died on 26th Feb this year having only  been diagnosed with a brain tumour.at the end of November. 2008. She was a special person and very special to my friend. She was only 64! Only a few years ago my best friends wife succumbed to the vicious disease as well. It is devastating for those involved.. My friends mother was only diagnosed with it at the end of 2008 and the effect is so rapid it is terrible. She lived in the same house for thirty years and quite quickly could not  find her way to her own toilet. She was simply lost at home.. For her family it was heartbreaking. Anybody who has lived through it will realise its effect. At times like these you appreciate the people from Ellenor Hospices at Home. Their work is priceless, their advice irreplaceable and their effort  and kindness unequalled. I know their involvement  helped my friend enormously.  Please sponsor me to help them. In this day and age its sad that these groups have to rely on charity to allow them to continue!. A quick update on the training  been at it since December and with six weeks to go I have a 21 miler under my belt. Feel the hamstring a little but I am sure that  I will get over the line.

 

I would add, there are two  clubs very close to my heart that will receive 10% of anything raised to split between them (Ellenor are happy about this). Orion Harriers (who are trying to raise money for a new clubhouse) and Buckhurst Hill Football Club( who need money to keep the sides going). Every week both these clubs look after hundreds of young kids from all walks of life , all ethnic groups,able and disabled . Its all done by volunteers.. I can assure you the 10% will be well deserved and richly treasured..

 

Sorry about the length of my message but I just wanted to get over to you how valuable your contribution however large or small would be. Thank you.

 

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Ellenor and Lions Hospice gets 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.

So please sponsor me now!