I’m writing this as a friendly plea for help!

As some may know, I’ve decided to run the London Marathon – yes, me, really ;). I’ve been keeping it quiet because I wasn’t sure if I would get a place, or whether I could do the training, or in case of another spanner in the works. But suffice to say in January I received a race number and I’m on my way.

I’ve been training since the beginning of October 2007 and it’s going well. Last week (mid February ‘08) I completed 16 miles. From now until the race I’ll be covering at least 80 miles in long runs (not including mid-week shorter runs). So you see, I’m committed and am putting in a fair amount of effort.

But it’s all worth it to make sure I don’t do myself an injury on the day. For the uninitiated, I had surgery on my lower spine in 2000 for two slipped discs. I’m fine now and I try not to let it limit me, but I do have to manage it – if nothing else this extensive preparation should help relieve many of my fears; ‘bull by the horns’ kind of stuff.

Although I’m running for my own sense of achievement, I’d also like to use this effort to contribute to something… this is where you come in. I’ve signed up to run for WaterAid. Health and nutrition are things I’ve taken quite an interest in over the years, but there’s no point using vitamins, potions and pills without getting the basics right. In 2008 WaterAid estimates ‘over a billion people in the world do not have access to safe water’ – something that we take for granted. For a more objective view about this charity, see the Wikipedia page.

In this, the UN International Year of Sanitation, I’m hoping you can help me to help WaterAid, to help those who don’t get what should be a basic human right.

I’m aiming to raise £1000, but of course any progress towards that figure will help. Sponsoring me only £1 per complete mile (26 miles - plus the probably excruciating 0.2 miles at the end!) could really make a difference; £25 could pay for a mason to protect a spring in Uganda; £15 is enough to give one person a lasting supply of safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. But (and I know about being on a tight budget), of course it’s up to you – anything you can afford would be greatly appreciated.

If you’re already registered, I’ve set up a facebook group that you can join to show support. You can also email me. This Marathon is something that can be done with training and determination, but friendly support will help too!

I’ve set up an online donation page and training blog that I hope to keep up over the coming months.

Thanks for your help,

Nick, 23 February 2008.