Mark Fogerty who sometimes comes with his family to St Mary’s, Hardwick writes:

I’ve talked about running the London Marathon for some years, instead I got as far as analysing it and convinced myself that it is do-able. So here I am – I’m booked for 2016, invested in new PE kit and all I’ve got to do is launch the plan into delivery!!

I’m running for The Spinal Injuries Charity. Every day in Britain, 3 people are permanently paralysed as a result of damage to the spinal cord, with common causes being road accidents, sports and falls.

SIA support the provision of the specialist treatment, care and rehabilitation through advising, educating and campaigning. Please see their website; http://www.spinal.co.uk/living-with-sci/understanding-sci/

27 years ago, one on my brothers walked off to school one day (he was 14 at the time). He came home 9 months later, in a wheelchair having broken is neck in a school swimming pool and spending the time in the intensive care unit of specialist spinal injuries hospital. He actually came home to a different house as my family moved to a more suitable house for wheelchairs and lifts. Clearly a life changing injury, but unfortunately not limited to the visual limitations of not being able to walk. He has done amazing well. He is personal injury lawyer and until very recently was a governor and Chair of the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA)

My challenge (beyond a bit of running) is raising some funds. I would really appreciate any donation on my Just Giving page http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/mark-fogerty-SAVMLMBONDS3332016-9466

Best Regards

Mark Fogerty