Chris Sykes completed the Flora London Marathon on 18 April 2004 in a credible time of 4 hours 20 mins and 18 seconds and secured 15,965th place! - and raised over £1,700 for the Appeal!

Chris' comments on the day were:

“I awoke at 6.00am with huge mixed emotions of anticipation, intrepidation and excitement.

At breakfast I thought it wise to walk past the hotels full fry up and opt for Muesli and toast!

The train from Charing Cross to the start point at Blackheath was crammed full of fellow competitors who were all quiet and nervously staring out of the window reflecting upon the task ahead.

We arrived and made our way to the start. I felt fit and was raring to go. The 90 mins wait in the rain before we started running seem to last an eternity. Everyone just wanted to get underway and the nerves were really starting to kick in.

The start of the race was a relief, I was half way back at the blue start so it only took 3 mins of walking to get to the start line. I was soon running and forgetting about the wind and rain.

I will never forget the sights, feelings and emotions that I went through during the 26.2 miles. The first hour enjoyable, letting the occasion sink in and I was amazed how quickly it seemed to pass. The middle part of the race where the crowds are just huge, I felt as if I could run all day. Then the agony of hitting the wall at about 19 miles, this up to 24 miles where I just hung on in. The last 2 miles, when I started to feel fitter again and with the crowds cheers ringing in my ears, I ran my fastest part of the Marathon. Finally, the emotion of realising that all my months of training was all worth it for that one sight that I shall never forget, the finish line.”

We would like to thank Chris for raising over £1,700.00 for the appeal.

Chris with his medal after completing the marathon.