My Story

So 2023 is the 20th anniversary of my first London Marathon and I have been (un)fortunate to get a ballot place. (The fact that 2003 is my only other marathon ever is besides the point! I still maintain that I was Paula Radcliffe's pace setter for her world record that year although my finish time of 5hr47mins might suggest otherwise. I did spend at least 47mins queueing at various portaloos along the course which didn't help)

I've been training since January and its fair to say I'm not loving it and am definitely not a natural runner, its more of a plod/shuffle but I would love to beat my previous time. That's my personal goal. To prove that nearly 40yr old me can beat the immature poorly prepared nearly 20yr old me (I mean look at the profile pic for goodness sake, so young and naive! Also, we didn't have camera phones so a stranger took the photo hence why when it was developed we had half our heads chopped off! Plus I didn't even appreciate what a decent pelvic floor was back then)

Your goal is to help me raise a little bit of dosh for charity. I (we) don't have to raise anything, its a ballot place, there is no target even though I had to pick one, it really doesn't matter. I have voluntarily paid for my place, new trainers etc but it would be nice if we could. It would mean even more if you donated a little something instead of getting me a birthday present in July, there isn't anything I want or need (and if you weren't going to get anything and now feel awkward that I've mentioned it and then please don't worry)

I've chosen Breast Cancer Now as its a good 'un. I've known too many people personally (and professionally) be diagnosed with cancer far far too young and whilst the NHS is amazing (it is the absolute BEST despite everything the government tries to do) we do need to try and find ways of improving earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments so we can spend more time with our loved ones. This marathon despite my complaining will be a piece of p**s compared to what some patients with cancer go through (Debbie, you're my actual hero)

Thank you all kindly and see you at the finish line.