"It's good to talk" used to be a strap line for BT many years ago and this week I was reminded of it when I attended a conference. The hosts of the conference, RSMR, follow my running adventures and over the years have sponsored me when raising funds for Maggie's, but what happened at the conference blew me away.
After a hard day of travel and listening to over 20 fund managers I was knackered and looking forward to a beer before a delicious dinner and being entertained by Ed Balls! My wife text me to say "don't have too much to drink before dinner"! Bloody cheek I thought as I don't normally overdo it, but I had a few before dinner.
The host was addressing the audience when he asked the question "has anyone in the audience ever ran 205 miles?" I put my beer down - oh no. I was asked up on stage in front of the audience, with Ed Balls right in front of me, and asked to say a few words about Maggie's. It turns out the organiser had been in touch with Fiona to get the details and she was asked not to let on. I do my best, glad I only had a few beers, and the audience raised £1,800 on the night with RSMR promising to match the money raised taking the total to £3,600. WOW - I was humbled by this amazing gesture. One attendee spoke to me afterwards and he had just lost his Father to cancer and he was going to visit Maggie's as he could see how helpful the support would be at this difficult time - I know he'll benefit from this visit.
I informed Maggie's when I got home and then received even more fantastic news. The Caramel Wafer Match Funding Challenge (Tunnock's) will match this donation therefore a total of £7,200 will be added to the already circa £10,000 raised earlier for the Tahoe 200. It just goes to show it's good to talk. I'll continue to fly the flag for Maggie's and continue to talk to people about the amazing support Maggie's provides so please, if you know of anyone affected by cancer then please tell them to visit a Maggie's Centre. They'll be offered a cup of tea and if they feel like it, they can talk to people who understand what they are going through and know how to help them.
It's also been an exciting week as I approach the 6 week recuperation period following my operation. My coach has sent me through my training plan and on Wednesday I start with a 20 min jog. I can't wait but I'll need to remain patient and if there are any signs the hernia making a reappearance then I'll have to back off. So fingers crossed.
My training schedule also includes a run at Chatleherault a week on Saturday and it will be great to be back with my pals chatting away as we go round although I think I'll be "bringing up the rear" for a few weeks and talking to myself! I can always catch up with them over a coffee afterwards. It will be good to be back. Have a great week folks.
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