This April I will be running the London Marathon. This is my first marathon, ever, and I'm definitely not underestimating the challenge. 

I will be running for and supporting the charity Clydeside Action on Asbestos and have set a stimulating target of raising £2016.

Not only am I hoping to generate as much donations as possible for CAA but I also hope my participation will help raise awareness of the Charity & the excellent support they provide to the victims & their families throughout Scotland. As a Chartered Surveyor I also want to raise awareness of how it has the potential to affect all of those working in property and construction.

On a personal note I will be running in memory of my grandfather Harry who died from the most aggressive cancer caused by asbestos, mesothelioma. Harry was exposed to asbestos while working in the Shipbuilding Industry on The Clyde.

The support provided by CAA ensured that my Papa received day to day support and comfort whilst also assisting those close to him during the uncomfortable days. They are not a big charity, but I am hoping that the money I raise will contribute to petrol and late night sandwiches for those volunteers who go out of their way after they have finished their day jobs to be with those who may be suffering.

Asbestos related diseases are predicted to rise to about 10,000 deaths a year in Britain. There is usually a long delay between first exposure to asbestos & the onset of asbestos related diseases. This can be up to 40 years after first exposure & can be caused by a single fibre. The vast majority of those now suffering with asbestos related illnesses were exposed to asbestos in the 1940’s -1980’s & the stark truth is that unfortunately in the future you will all most likely be aware of someone who will suffer from an asbestos related disease. The frightening reality is that this not only affects those that have worked within the industries already mentioned but many other professions who have worked in buildings containing asbestos now have these diseases or have died as a result.

I have set a target of running in under 5 hours, but am told that for a man of may age this is too slow! So if you sponsor me more, I will run/walk faster! I assure you that any donation is most appreciated & will be used to support victims & their families who suffer as a result of these terrible illnesses.

I have left this rather late to raise awareness of my challenge as those of who know me will realise I am wholly unfit for such an over exertion, but after 3 months of training I am getting there. To provide a bit of entertainment along the way I will be positing regular updates of my training on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. I’ll be blogging my training and providing update photos for the final 10 weeks.

 I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for visiting my page & thank you for donating to CAA.

 Please remember donating through ‘Virgin Money Giving’ is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe they will never send them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send 100% of your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer, so please remember to tick the Gift Aid box as it will give your donation an instant boost.

 Please support me during my most difficult sporting challenge & in turn support all those victims with a far greater challenge in life.

 Many thanks for your support.

 Andy