From John:

Last year I explained the inspiration for my attempt to gain a ‘London Marathon’ place. In short it was a feeling of helplessness knowing that a good friend, Janet Charles, was fighting her own battle with Cancer. Despite all my efforts I was unable to gain a London Marathon place and that led me to run ‘The Berden Marathon’. Collectively we raised £1,574 for Cancer charities, thank you once again.

Janet passed away on 21st November 2009. Her last days were spent at The Isabel Hospice which will be the focus for this year’s donations. I know that both Janet and her husband Dennis were most grateful for the hospice care and support that was so vital at the end of her life. Their story underlines the importance of hospice care which is reliant on charitable donation.

This year I have managed to gain a place at ‘The London Marathon’ which takes place on 25th April 2010. To increase the challenge and to provide even more reason for you to make a donation, I intend to run two marathons, ‘The Berden Marathon’ as well, provisionally on 16th May 2010. Although I shouldn’t name anyone just yet I know there are a few people who feel motivated to join me this year. All are welcome!  How about extending the idea to a ‘Berden Team Marathon’. I saw several Berdonites at the 2009 Manuden fun run and others have suggested they might take part. It makes me think we have the talent perhaps for more than one team. A team could be any number of persons.

The aim is to have a good day and provide a reason for your friends and family to make a donation to Cancer care at Isabel.  So here we have an early notice so that you can convince yourself of the benefits of taking part and identify who else might run or indeed walk with you and begin a training programme. If you haven’t done this for some time there is lots of guidance available. How about a barbecue in my back garden after the event?  Do give it some thought and if you would like to know more or have an idea to make things successful do give me a call on 777446