Although I have only been distance running for a couple of years I used to be quite a serious sprinter (200m) in my youth but gave up aged 18 when work and other commitments began to demand more of my attention. In 2000, aged 32, I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. I had a small operation to remove the cancer and was given the all clear 6 months later. On the day of the 2008 London Marathon it will be almost 8 years to the day from my initial diagnosis and I am pleased to continue to be free from any further illness. My 2000 health scare focussed my mind and I felt like I had been given a second chance. I therefore made a decision to get fit again. After gaining a reasonable level of fitness I decided to give running a go again and in May 2005 started training with a friend with the aim of running the Great North Run that September. I felt extremely pleased to be able complete the run, finishing in a time of 2hrs 20mins. Training for the 2005 Great North Run gave me the running bug again and I haven't looked back since! I joined Harrogate Harriers in October 2005 and have since gone on to get my half marathon personal best down to 1hr 40mins – quite an achievement I like to think in just over two years. My competitive streak has re-emerged and I now enter a number of races each year. My running goals for 2008 are a sub 44min 10K, sub 1hr 40min half marathon and to complete my first marathon in London in under 4 hours. Having secured a place in the 2007 London Marathon, a major calf injury put me out of action only two weeks before the event. I am following a less intensive training schedule this year and am determined to make it to London 2008 injury free.
My attention was first drawn to Oasis when Steve Chalke received publicity for raising the highest level of sponsorship in the London Marathon. I had heard of Steve previously through my various Christian connections but was not aware of Oasis Community Learning and its work. When selecting a charity to raise funds for in order to mark the momentous occasion of me running a marathon (something in my sprinting days I could never have imagined doing!) I began to look further into the work of Oasis Community Learning and was impressed with their achievements and future plans. At a time when most of society is focussed on narrow academic measurements of success Oasis impressed me with their alternative approach to learning and the way they encourage and support all children – be they academic or non academic. I strongly believe all children should be given an equal opportunity to excel and be valued, be it in academic or non academic areas, and I think Oasis offers children this chance – especially in the tough inner city areas that have traditionally been forgotten and which most other educators avoid. I am therefore pleased to be supporting Oasis Community Learning and look forward to raising funds for them in the 2008 London Marathon.
Find out more by visiting: www.oasiscommunitylearning.org.