Watford Mencap supporter to run the London Marathon 2011
On April 17th 2011, Watford Mencap supporter John Whittle will be running the London Marathon in aid of national Mencap and Watford Mencap. The London Marathon is a challenging 26 mile run through the centre of London. Around 30,000 runners take part every year for a range of charities.
Below, John explains a bit about his motivations for running the race and how his training is going-
Why have you decided to run the London Marathon?
Throughout my life I haven’t done anything major for charity and the idea of running the London Marathon came to mind! Not only is it an opportunity to get fit (I have lost well over a stone already) but it is the chance to raise a vast amount of money for a charity I feel passionate about! This is the first time I have ever done any thing like this. It’s been a lot of hard work but the reward at the end will be massive
Why have you chosen to run it for Mencap?
Watford Mencap is a charity very close to my heart. My sister has been using the services of Watford Mencap for many years and the chance to give something back was an opportunity not to be missed. Raising money for Watford Mencap will enable them to continue and develop their services, supporting people in South West Herts with learning disabilities.
How is your training going?
I have been training since the first week of October. I run three times a week, two 7 mile runs and one 15 mile run. The other 3 days I swim, cycle and row. My diet has changed a lot as well. I used to eat fast foods, drink fizzy drinks and drink a few pints a week. Now its water, fruit, pasta, meat, potatoes and veg. Very boring but it needs to be done.
What are you hoping to achieve?
I really want to raise over £2000 to support both national Mencap and Watford Mencap. This is a big ask but I will do everything I can to reach my goal.
Time wise, my goal is just to complete the race, but I would be happy with anything under 5hrs!
How can people support you?
The way people can support me, and Watford Mencap, is by making a donation to my Virgin Money Giving site. www.virginmoneygiving.com/johnwhittle1. Anything people can give will be a massive help as it will be going towards an amazing charity!
Watford Mencap would like to wish John every success with his training and the race itself. Watford Mencap would also like to encourage everyone to support John in this challenge, by sponsoring him at www.virginmoneygiving.com/johnwhittle1.
Please be aware that John has received his place in the race through national Mencap, therefore he must first raise £1600 for national Mencap before he can raise money for Watford Mencap. Therefore, by sponsoring John, you will be supporting both national Mencap and Watford Mencap. Please help him raise over £1600.
Posted on Wednesday, 12th January 2011