I DID IT! I COMPLETED THE LONDON MARATHON 2018!
What an amazing experience - the support from strangers, the noise, the atmosphere, seeing friends and family along the route cheering me on, passing the landmarks of London and then finally running down The Mall, with Buckingham Palace behind me. That was what all the months of training had been about; I'd pictured those final few hundred metres in my mind so many times when training had been tough and then there I was, finishing my first (and probably my last!) marathon. It was hotter and harder than I'd imagined but I'm very proud of myself and very grateful to everyone who has supported me and donated to such a worthy cause - thank you.
Choosing a charity to raise money for has almost been as hard as the actual running! There are so many worthwhile causes that all deserve to be supported but I have decided I'm going to support 'Beacon House' in Colchester.
I run partly because I enjoy it but partly because I can! I'm fit and healthy and therefore I feel that I should push my body to do amazing things - while it still can! I also realise how lucky I am that when I get back from a run, whatever the weather, I can have a hot shower, something nice to eat and drink and sleep safely in a warm bed that night. Not everyone is as fortunate.
Beacon House (on East Hill) was established to help homeless people, those in insecure accommodation and those at high risk of homelessness. They provide practical support: showers, laundry, clothing & toiletries and a nurse-led clinic, plus a cafe offering hot food and drinks. In addition they offer life skills classes including IT, CV writing, support around cooking and budgeting, counselling, an IT suite, art and crafts room, games and drop-in support from other agencies.
I'm aware of the bad press surrounding 'professional beggars' but by raising money for Beacon House, I know that only the people that really need the help, will receive it.
