Alf Tupper storms through Bath!

Here is another update on the progress of Alf Tupper, aka Dave Johnson, in his efforts to raise money for charity; in previous years, Dave has supported a variety of charities, including the Alzheimer’s Society; this year he is trying to raise much needed funds for Mind and Weston Hospicecare.

This report is on his triumph in the Bath Half Marathon which Alf completed on Sunday!

Hi

So, a week after the Tough Ten Challenge, it was the Bath Half Marathon today. I’m pleased to say that all went pretty well and I finished in a time of 1:37:02 with a finishing position of 1235 out of 9631 finishers. It was fantastic to have groups of cheerleaders chanting the world famous

‘T-U-T-U-P-T-U-P-P-E-R!’

which really spurred me on. Now it’s back to the normal training routine until the London Marathon on April 21st.

Ok, on to the fundraising which is generally ticking along nicely, if a little more slowly than in previous years. Weston Hospicecare are within striking distance of my initial target of £500 and currently standing at £461.00 (92%). Mind are lagging behind somewhat on £293.42 (58%) but there is still plenty of time to hit and even exceed the targets for both charities. Lots of you have already donated but, equally, many of you who have always supported me have yet to do so this time. Please consider donating as much as you can afford to either or both charities, both of which are very deserving of your support. You can donate securely online by clicking on

http://www.justgiving.com/Dave-Johnson

and

http://www.justgiving.com/Dave-Johnson5,

where you can read details of the very good reasons why I have chosen those particular charities and also leave a message of support. I will keep updating you on how things are progressing with regard to both the fundraising and the training as the big day rapidly approaches.

I appeared in the Weston Mercury last week and, to be honest, the photograph wasn’t too bad.

http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/58_year_old_running_third_london_marathon_1_1959951

So, after the Tough Ten Challenge and the Bath Half Marathon, it’s all systems go for the major sporting event of 2013, the London Marathon. This is a full marathon as opposed to, in the words of the late and truly great Alan “Fluff” Freeman, “not arf!” It’s going to be bloody hard work so please help to motivate me and help others at the same time by supporting Mind and Weston Hospicecare.

Many thanks,

Alf