**Unfortunately due to a knee injury I have withdrawn from the 2014 marathon. However, I will be running in 2015! Check back soon for updates**

In a little over six weeks I will make my way to London to join with thousands of other runners in an attempt to complete the London Marathon 2014! My training is reaching a climax and I feel fit and ready to go, if not a little daunted by the prospect of running 26.2 miles. I have been fortunate enough to stay injury free throughout my training and I feel fit and strong.

Back in April 2013 I decided to put my name into the ballot for the London Marathon . To be honest, I didn’t ever expect to get a place, and to my enormous surprise I received a letter through the door a few weeks ago to say that I had been successful. I thought I’d better start doing some training as I hadn’t run for about three months. I have always liked the idea of training for, and running a marathon but never expected to actually be doing it.

I have run sporadically for the last few years, including completing the London 10k in 2011. I used to loathe running for the sake of it, and always saw it as a means to an end i.e., playing sport. However, over the past few years I have grown to love it and it is the only exercise I can afford, and fit into my family and work life. I am married with two young boys, and work shifts as a police officer.

I love the simplicity of running – just pull on a pair of trainers and go! I treat every run as a mini adventure and love to explore new routes on longer runs, especially in the countryside. Running allows me to unwind from the stresses of life and give me an opportunity to think and pray. I always return from a run feeling refreshed, even if I feel physically tired.

I am running the marathon for two main reasons. Firstly, I want to challenge myself physically and mentally. I have never done anything as demanding over such a long period of time. Secondly, I want to raise money to help others. I have spent a lot of time thinking about which charity to raise money for. There are so many good causes and organisations that it is difficult to choose, but I have settled with Christian Aid.

They work tirelessly to tackle poverty around the world, as well as responding to humanitarian disasters. They are also involved in with Government in bringing about change to those who have so little and endure so much suffering. They do this from a Christian standpoint, which is important to me as it resonates with my own faith. You can find out more about their work on their website www.christianaid.org.uk.

Any contribution you can make towards my sponsorship is gratefully received and will be put to good use.

You can sponsor me using this link: www.virginmoneygiving.com/Andrew_L_Robinson

Andrew