It was May 2009 when I decided that 2010 was the year for me to run the London Marathon. Looking back it may have been the craziest decision I’ve ever made. I say that as I sit here with aching knees, groins (if ever there was such a thing), back and arms but I’m determined to do it.
As I began to think of ways to start the fundraising, I set up a Twitter account and that has led to many great events this year including a Tweet from Sarah Brown and a visit to No. 10, a Tweet or two from Beverly Knight and the chance to meet her in person. Perhaps one of the most generous of donations came from my use of Twitter in the form of Wendy Mallas’ pledge to paint a portrait for me to auction. With my links to Liverpool, I managed to secure a photo of some of their stars and Wendy set about capturing Steven Gerrard celebrating one of his many goals. In October I went to collect the fantastic image. Now the challenge began to get the picture signed. Using my contacts at the Club, Viki, my sister, and I travelled to meet the legend. As you can see from the pictures we were in awe of Mr G as he signed the portrait that would lead to the biggest donation to date. Stevie G went for an amazing £650 to a very generous footie fan. The portrait was delivered in December just in time for Christmas.
Along the way there have been many messages of support from sufferers of Lupus from around the world. Canadian sponsors have arrived so I think I can safely say the power of Twitter certainly is immense. People far and near have given their support in the form of donations and kind words for which I am extremely grateful. Every word of inspiration drives me on especially on the days when I ache like never before. Today for example.
As well as the single donation generated from the painting, others have been working tirelessly on my behalf to increase the fund. Particular thanks should go to my family: Nan and Bill who have held car boot sales, raffles in town centres and local pubs to raise over £700. My mom, who manages a Thorntons’ store has collected donations from customers and on Christmas eve this year, I was given £150 from them! Without prompting, a local hair dressers ‘Radical Hair Design of Cannock’, created three hampers of salon products donated from suppliers and sold raffle tickets to customers leading up to Christmas. They raised a fantastic £210. Viki and I went along to meet the Santarettes, where we captured images of their outfits to post on the Blog.
It certainly is the selfless donations of my supporters that have driven me on. From early May when the decision was made, I have been building up my training. I’ve used ‘RunKeeper’ to track my routes and progress, I’ve brought suitable footwear to support my more than dodgy knees and now I have received a heart rate monitor to boost my training. It’s not been easy but entering small challenges such as the 5K in Birmingham have helped me to set myself new goals. I anticipate that the next few months will become even harder but I have to say that I am more than happy with results I have seen so far. I have muscles that are new to mankind, my stomach is an ironing board and my wife keeps touching my newly toned derrier.
So, here’s to 2010 and the Virgin London Marathon.