My son, Martin, passed away in November 2008, just 2 weeks after being diagnosed with leukaemia.  I am doing this run to raise money for Martin's charity The Young Oncology Unit (Y.O.U.) at The Christie where Martin was well looked after.  In particular, it is being used to improve the quality of life for patients spending time on the wards there and to maintain the outstanding facilities they provide for families visiting from greater distances.  We also have a Tribute Fund set up for Martin at the Y.O.U and all money raised will be included in this. The second photo shows Martin's golden leaf on the Christie Tree of Hope which recognises the outstanding amount his fund-raising has already achieved.  This has been done thanks to kind donations and fund-raising events, some of which have been highly imaginative and challenging, undertaken by Martin's many friends and supporters.  

My event isn't so imaginative but, for me, is very challenging. It goes beyond completing the Run in a not-too-embarrassing time. The important thing is to raise as much as possible for Martin's charity so please donate as much as you can spare. As an additional incentive I am having a sweep-stake on the time it will take for me to complete the run.  For every sponsorship of at least £1, you may make a guess of the time and the nearest will win a magnificient Christie Bear cuddly toy!  I'm 58 and my previous (and only!) 'form' was 2 hrs 43 mins 11secs in the 2007 Great North Run - a half marathon (approx. 21k).

I am backing myself to beat 80% of the guessed times failing which I will donate £50 of my own money to the charity!

Thank you for your support.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.