Running for DSE

On Sunday 13th April, 25 enthusiastic runners amongst the 28,000 will be running to raise money for DSE. These runners are coming from all over the country especially to fullfil their dreams.

The training is nearly over and the nerves are beginning to set in. However, each one of them is doing a tremendous job of raising at least £1000 for the charity. They all know what is at stake, but they are determined to finish in one piece to complete the fundraiser's favourite marathon.

Amongst the mad few is Andrew Dick, Managing Director of Nautilus Health & Fitness Group. Nautilus sponsor our golf tournament and Andy made the silly mistake of mentioning he would run it for us... next Sunday he puts his words into actions! He states: -

"It's my time to give something back to the industry. I'll be running the London Marathon for 2 reasons. Firstly, to raise money for Disability Sport England ensuring that everyone can compete in any sport. I have never been so inspired when I had the pleasure in awarding trophies and prizes to those who won championships in sporting categories covering a range of disability. They showed me how sport and competition contributes to personal satisfaction, enjoyment and team spirit.

Secondly, my own personal goal of completing a marathon after an absence of 15 years! With work, a young family and many social commitments your health and fitness can often take a back seat. By entering and committing to the Marathon my training and more importantly my plan to train on a regular basis has helped maintain my fitness levels in probably the busiest time of my life."

Another Director on board the team is Michael Woolhouse the Business Development Director from Leisure Connection Ltd. Leisure Connection are sponsoring our athletics programme for 3 years and Michael is showing his 130 sites how easy it is to raise money for their chosen cause. Michael claims:-

"I am running the London Marathon to raise some much needed funds for Disability Sport England and support their national and regional events.

Having sacrificed alcohol (almost!), social life and Saturday mornings for
training, I am left with 3 simple goals;
1. complete the course inside 4 hours
2. not to be over taken by any of those giant rhinoceros heads!
3. raise £1000

So, I can try and deal with numbers 1 & 2 but any support you can pledge towards number 3 would be greatly appreciated!"

To put the men to shame is one of our best fundraisers, who is coming back for a second time following her 2002 completion! Lisa Wright (nee Fox) is determined to put her memories of sore feet behind her...

"In a moment of forgetfulness and pure memory loss I signed up for the Flora London Marathon 2003, casually forgetting the loss of a complete set of toenails and shear exhaustion post marathon 2002.

However, what I didn't forget was the thrill of being part of such a
Marathon Extravaganza, and most importantly being an integral part of fundraising for Disability Sport England - a charity that offers the
participation and opportunities for people with disabilities.  Many people have offered the incentive to double the sponsorship money if I beat my previous time....its all the incentive I will need."

Good luck to the whole fundraising team. May your wishes be granted and we look forward to seeing you around the course. Enjoy it!