Tony Miles runs for the bank

When I began running very tentatively at the age of 61, in an attempt to get fitter and lose a bit of weight, I had no intention whatsoever of running further than a few miles at a time.
However, just 6 years later I found myself on Blackheath Common at the start of the 2013 Virgin London Marathon, my fifth attempt at this distance, having already competed in the New Forest and Paris.

An added incentive this time was that I was raising funds for the New Forest Basics Bank and proudly wearing their logo on my shirt. In fact, I even heard a spectator remark "That's in Lymington!", as I ran by. It was amazing that I heard this at all, as the noise from the huge crowds lining the route was unbelievable. Running through Canary Wharf, with the volume of sound amplified by the immense buildings on either side, was an experience I shall never forget.

Now for the statistics. Despite finding the last few miles very tough indeed, I completed the course in 4 hours 41 minutes, but more importantly, thanks to the generosity of family, friends and local people, I was able to raise approximately £1000 for the Basics Bank. A big "thank you" to everyone who supported me, every penny of your donations will be put to very good use.

WELL DONE, TONY.
THANK YOU SO MUCH! AND A BIG THANK YOU TO CHRISTINE AND THE FAMILY.