In October 2022 I opened a shocking email - I had won a place via the ballot for the 2023 London Marathon. Looking at myself in the mirror, I began to feel slightly overwhelmed by the idea of training - so I quickly put it to the back of my mind. Then came January and the training started, and stopped, and started, and stopped and started again. This will be my second marathon, but unlike the first time, my preparation this year has been slightly erratic, with 2 young children, travel for work and a gammy knee not providing the best training foundation. These are all just excuses, just in case the TV cameras spot a very red, out of breath man crying for help. The most important thing is, I will be at the start line, and by hook or by crook I will be finishing the bloody thing.

This year I have decided to raise money for both Sobell House and Royal Marsden. Over the past couple of years members family, loved ones and friends have been hit by cancer, some unfortunately losing that battle. The charities I have chosen to raise money for do tremendous work and my friends and family have felt the benefit of their services.

Whilst I may not be the fastest or possess an elegant running style - I will drag my oversized arse for 26 miles around London if it means that I can make a small difference to those people going through cancer.

If you can, please give generously and hopefully I’ll see a few friendly faces round the course.

Big love

Patrick/Pat/Paddy