The London Marathon 2012

Congratulations James!

This feels like a massive understatement as James has completed the London Marathon!

The son of one of our Board Members, James said before the race, "I have seen at first hand the impact the YMCA is having in Guildford where young people without much hope have been cared for and trained up with the skills they need to live and work in society. I am pleased to be able to support this organisation and its fundraising programme.

"I would like to raise at least £2000. The money I raise will be shared equally between Guildford YMCA and YMCA England."

Here he was in training, and now we can add a Post Marathon Report:

"I did it!

On Sunday 22nd April I completed the marathon in 3 hours 11 minutes 13 seconds. I was really pleased with this time, knocking off twenty minutes from my previous personal best.

At times training has felt like a real effort, especially when it is has been cold and wet and I would have rather been in bed! However, it was all made worthwhile on Sunday when I took on my first London Marathon. The atmosphere around London was incredible. There was not one part of the course that did not have hundreds of supporters cheering the runners on and in some places (around the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf) the sides of the course were marked by ten person deep rows of spectators.

The race was a real test of my endurance and focus through pain! I seemed to sail round the first half of the course but then the pain set in and I had to dig deep to keep going. I was aiming to beat 3 hours and 10 minutes in order to gain a place for next year's race but it just was not happening and as I hurt more and more I slowly lost momentum and slowed up, despite all the support. I was very grateful for a sports massage after the event, provided by the YMCA, but I am still very stiff and I don't think I will be running again for at least a month!

So far I have managed to raise over £2300 for the YMCA. This money will be split between YMCA England and YMCA Guildford who will put the money towards the Capital Appeal plans to renovate the basement of the YMCA and create a Youth Hub for young people in Guildford.

Thank you to all those who have sent through money and sponsored me to run the London Marathon. I am confident that your money will be used well and will benefit many young people that really need our support. There is still time to give. Please head to my fundraising site at www.justgiving.com/jadslater if you would like to give."

Thank you James
for taking on this challenge for us -
we salute you!

Sponsoring James

Supporting James is still easy through JustGiving - visit www.justgiving.com/jadslater or if you prefer you can send your donation to Guildford YMCA, Bridge Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4SB. Cheques should be made payable to YMCA England.

Thank you! You are helping us to help young people build a future.