Derby 10K Marathon 2009

As you read this, I should have ran the Derby 10k on Sunday 19th April 2009.

There are many reasons for me taking part in this challenge, the main one being I got in contact with an old school friend named Lynsey Ironmonger (formerly 'Hughes'). After sending emails, catching up on things, she touched on a subject quite close to her heart. Her niece, Samantha Hughes, had in April 2008 lost her heroic battle with Neuroblastoma. This was devastating for Lynsey and her entire family. All I could think of is if this ever happened to my own child – which believe me does not bare thinking about.

In the back of my mind was my own experience of an illness which I had an operation for just after Christmas in 2008. Testicular Cancer although not as serious as Neuroblastoma, the Chemotherapy still destroyed my world for quite a while. I had bad discomfort, pain and sickness for nearly 3 months before it all started getting better. But the main thing is, I survived and will survive to see my childs future – unlike young Samantha’s parents.

This got me thinking. I immediately wanted to help, but how? I am fat, un-motivated and have never had a real goal in my life. Then it all fell in place... I had put on weight and lost muscle largely down to me suffering with my illness, so I needed to get back in shape, I had previously never done anything positively life changing and had never tried helping others in a way I thought worthy of acknowledgment... but the main reason being a friend of mine is passionate about something she holds dear... and I wanted to help.

So, an event and indeed a goal was needed... The Derby 10k Marathon it is!! I first looked up Neuroblastoma so I had a better understanding of the disease. Contacted ‘Georgie’s Fund’ to let them know I wanted to raise money for them. They were also very helpful and supportive. Then opened up my own ‘JustGiving’ web page. Inserted a target of £700 and started advertising that this chunky monkey wanted to run run run. This alone got all my friends intrigued.

I am a big lad, so between January and April 19th, I had to lose weight as part of my training, while keeping ankle pains away (from bad injuries suffered in the past). So personal trainer Owen James of ‘All for You’ placed me on a training programme and played a big part in keeping me motivated!! Building up my distance from half a mile, to 3 miles within a 2 month period, learning how to understand my body a little better while trying to lose weight – tough but rewarding. The 6.21 miles which I have to cover is a tough run for me, but even after the event, I shall keep running in the future… already entered into the London British Asics 10k in July I have found another sport which I enjoy. I have met my target of £700, and should be around £750 in the end.

The last few mentions are to those who have helped me with sponsorship like Jason Roe of ‘The Fast Food Co’ outside HSBC, on Moor Lane in Derby, and especially the people which pushed me to go further and try harder than I would normally. Namely my wife Emma, and my fantastic son Joshua.

Lee (o:

Lee Elmore

Fundraising

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