Stuart Wilson trains for the Flora London Marathon 2009

3/19/2009

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Entering into the ballot for the London Marathon seemed like a great idea at the time. I felt that at 27, I was at the peak of physical fitness and that I would relish the challenge of running over 26 miles on the streets of London. The route itself is on familiar territory and takes me right past my home in Greenwich and the offices of Trowers & Hamlins at Tower Hill where I work. How hard could it really be? Some months later, I finally received my acceptance on the eve of another run, my debut at half marathon distance. As I staggered across the finish line over the 13 mile course, I truly appreciated the magnitude of what I had signed up for.

Having slowly built up my training over the last few months, I'm now into a regular routine of running in excess of half marathon distance on Sunday afternoon and spending all of the following Monday trying to walk around without bending my knees. Regular intakes of rhubarb crumble go some way to making up for constant weariness. I felt that it was only appropriate that someone should benefit from the pain I was putting myself through and I asked my Grandma, Benita Moore, to choose a charity. Without hesitation she picked Ochre. My Granddad, Ben Moore, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in 2007 and he sadly passed away early in 2008. Ochre provided great support and comfort to my grandparents at an incredibly difficult time and I am delighted to have the chance to continue raising funds for this fantastic charity.

If you would like to leave a message of support, please visit my Just Giving site, which can be accessed by following the link on this page.

Your donations and messages of support would be greatly appreciated and the money will be put to good use by Ochre.

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