Never say never - why I'm running the London Marathon again!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m from Redbridge and have lived in Ilford, Gants Hill, Barkingside and Chigwell all of my life.

I’m a Will Advisor & Estate Planner. Helping people is what makes me tick.

My number 1 interest is my family, followed by running, cycling, swimming and running a Krav Maga - Self Defence club.

Why did you sign up for the London Marathon? 

I signed up for the Marathon as Andy Furneaux mentioned at our weekly networking meeting that a Marathon Place had become available. A tingle went down my spine and although, having vowed never to run it again, after doing so 20 years ago in memory of my Mum, and loving every minute of it, I couldn’t disguise my interest, and after Andy and a few persuasive colleagues talked me further into it, I decided now was the right time.

We lost my Father-in-Law Peter Mendel in December last year and he had spent the last few days of his life being cared for by the incredible team at Saint Francis Hospice, so after checking at home that the family were happy for me to commit to all the training, it was a big fat yes from me!

My grandmother was also cared for at the end of her life here so there is a close personal connection for me.

How is your training going? 

Training is going well. I ran 20 Miles this weekend which was tough but enjoyable (ish), so I’m nearly there.

I regularly run up to half Marathons so have the foundations, but a Marathon is taking it to another level.

I love running at a fairly leisurely pace with others, so have really enjoyed the social aspect of it but not everybody wants to run 20 miles in the heat on a Sunday, so the long runs have been lonely on occasions, which makes it much harder.

The best part of it has been sharing runs and fundraising with 3 other runners also participating for the Hospice. We are all inspiring each other and to know that you’re not alone, and to see what everyone else is up to has been amazing motivation.

How is your fundraising going?

Fundraising is going well but I believe it will really step up a gear as we get closer to the day.

I have been posting my story on social media which has had some response and we are going to do a big push at our networking group to 80+ businesses.

The four of us that are running for the Hospice from BNI B4B Chigwell have all bought bright orange suits and plan to wear them at a meeting, share our fundraising link with all the members, along with photos and videos we took when we visited Saint Francis Hospice to encourage them to donate.

My link is https://justgiving.com/fundraising/Dan-Lion1

Are you looking forward to the day of the run? 

I am very much looking forward to the day. As long as I finish, the time doesn’t matter. I have a finish time in mind but achieving it is not important. The most important thing is to enjoy the day and raise as much as I can in memory of my father in law Peter and for Saint Francis Hospice.