Having never done any sport in my younger days I decided to start running in 1983 primarily to keep fit. After running a few ‘fun runs’, 10 mile races and half Marathons, I decided I would see if I could run a full Marathon (26.2 miles) so in 1986 I ran my first full Marathon in a relatively slow time of 4 hours 23 mins 25 secs. I was very pleased with myself!
At that time I got mixed up with a group of people known as the 100 Marathon Club so continued to run more races of Marathon distance or longer.
I moved to Copthorne in 1995 and in 1997 I joined Kingdom Faith Church where I met Gerry and Rose George from Pound Hill whose Charity, Advance International Ministries, is supporting a community in Kiyindi, Uganda. I began fundraising for them and am now a Trustee and official Fundraiser.
We have built a church, a medical centre and schools for over 500 children, including boarders. The buildings are yet to be completed but work is ongoing.
I had been running regular Marathons around the U.K. and Europe and I ran my 100th Marathon in Dublin in 2006. I also run Ultra Marathons, with distances up to 100 miles.
I joined Jubilee Community Church in December 2017 and have been really blessed.
Well, a really special event is happening this year, just a few days after my 70th birthday.
I love WW2 British aircraft particularly the Lancaster Bomber and the 16th/17th of May is the 75th anniversary of Operation Chastise, The Dambusters Raid. Seems like a good time to run a special Marathon!
So, at Reculver on the Kent coast, (where Barnes Wallis tested the bombs) on Sunday the 3rd of June I will take part in the Dambusters Challenge to run my long awaited 200th Marathon.
I have decided to fundraise for Advance International Ministries so, if any one would like to sponsor me you can make a donation via your own PayPal account, donating to email address donate@advanceinternational.org.uk. Please state state 200th Marathon.
Click here to read the AIM spring newsletter.
Thank you in advance for your generosity.
