Our Runners' Blogs
Flora London Marathon 2009
We have five people running for the Trust this year in the Flora London marathon, from a variety of backgrounds.
Graham Milligan
Graham Milligan is the Director of Clinical Services at the Royal Veterinary College. He has run the marathon once before and is training with the help of his dog Otto. Here’s what he had to say on why he is running for the Trust.
“This year I’m running the Flora London Marathon to raise money for the ACT; here’s why…
Just like people, many pets recovering from illness or surgery, and those with long standing conditions such as arthritis can benefit from physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes. These are designed to speed up the return to health and mobility, sometimes reducing the need for medication or avoiding the need for surgery. Having suffered from the after affects of acute arthritis for several years during my early thirties, I can vouch for the benefits of physiotherapy in the recovery period. In 2007 my own dog Otto, a German wirehaired pointer had an unlucky accident in the snow that resulted in a fractured hock. Following complicated orthopaedic surgery, he made a good recovery, and I am convinced that the physiotherapy and hydrotherapy he received in the weeks after surgery helped make all the difference.” Read more of Graham's story...
If you would like to help Graham achieve his goal by sponsoring him please visit his JustGiving page where you can donate online.
http://www.justgiving.com/grahammilligan4act
Craig Dearman
Craig Dearman is 35 years old and lives with his wife, 1 lovely child, Jack and 3 very naughty cats!
"Fundraising is going ok and i plan to host a quiz in April to make up the remaining funds. Quite a few people have not sponsored me yet and as such my total raised may not look that good but ive collected some money offline now so hopefully that target shall be getting ever so nearer in the not too distant future.
Training is going ok. Bang on schedule but is getting harder each week. Up to half marathon distance and time this week so at least i should make it "running" to Tower Bridge! This is tough though, and as much as you sometimes dont want to go out in the cold and wet, you just have to do it or suffer the consequenses on the day. But, as i say, all going well at the moment!'
Read the first installment of Craig's story..
If you would like to sponsor Craig please visit his Just Giving site www.justgiving.com/craigdearman
Sally Wilkes
Sally is a student here at the RVC, training to become a Vet. She is 24 years old and this is her first marathon.
' This is my first time running a Marathon. Last year I went to cheer on 3 friends that were running the London Marathon and it was such an awesome day, I decided then that I had to do it! I have been running for about a year and a half now. When I first started I was barely able to run a mile without stopping, now I can run 8 minute miles for about two hours. In October this year I completed the (very hilly) Swindon Half Marathon in 1 hour 56 minutes and my goal time for the London Marathon is 4 hours. I am training hard and I am sure that I can achieve this!'
If you would like to sponsor Sally please visit her Just Giving site
www.justgiving.com/sallywilkes1
Sally also has a Facebook Page dedicated to her Marathon efforts!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=65026095405
Marc Quinn
Marc has been running since his mid twenties and has so far completed 14 half marathons and 3 full marathons abroad including the New York marathon'
'Training is finally coming together, I had an injury over Christmas and new year which costs me 6 weeks training so I was quite concerned, luckily I have no problems at the moment and I am putting in the miles, my aim now is to just complete the marathon rather than go for any personal bests,. It's a few years and a few stone since I done a marathon and I have never attempted one in this country. I ran a half marathon last week, not quick, but at least it has gave me confidence that I can complete the London Marathon, but world record holders, fear not, I am not attempting to beat you this year. Fundraising is in force now, I am currently bothering all my friends, family and colleagues who have been surprisingly generous even in these difficult times. I have arranged casual days in my work, and my occupation (I'm a training consultant) means I get lots of people coming into my offices each day and they "volunteer" to sponsor me before I mark their evaluations from the training!!. ... result!!'
If you would like to sponsor Marc please contact us on 01707 666237
More blogs from our runners will be updated shortly.