Craig's ready to take on his marathon challenge
This weekend will see thousands of people putting their best foot forward in the Flora London Marathon to raise as much as possible for charity.
And among them will be 29-year-old Craig Willcock, who is hoping to complete the gruelling 26.2-mile course for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Craig, of Shearer Road, Fratton, has been training hard and has some experience having run the Great South Run for the past five years.
He admits that this is his biggest challenge to date – but says he is determined to do it after losing family members to cancer.
He said: 'I'm not getting any younger and I wanted to do this before I reached 30.
'My grandma died before I was born and I have had other family and friends go through it since.
'I've been talking about it with people and it is amazing just how many people have been affected by it, it really brings it home to you.'
And he added: 'I've been doing charity work throughout my 20s.
'It's important to get young people involved in fundraising and volunteering, there is so much they can do.'
Training has been a challenge in itself, as he lost two close relatives just before Christmas, picked up a knee injury and had bad weather earlier in the year to contend with.
But undeterred, Craig has cranked up the pace to complete runs of up to 19 miles which takes him around the whole of Portsmouth.
Despite his enthusiasm Craig, who works as a cultural development assistant at Portsmouth City Council, admits he is nervous about the looming marathon challenge.
He added: 'I am apprehensive about the race but I am excited.
'It is the realisation that it is nearly here – I have my bag packed already!
'The thing that keeps me going is thinking about the euphoria of getting past the 20-mile mark, and crossing the finish line of course.'
Craig hopes to raise 1,900 for Macmillan Cancer Support, who help improve the lives of people affected by cancer by providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support.
To sponsor him go to justgiving.com/craigwillcocklondon2009 or contact him on 0782 821 9108.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Sunday 12 February 2012
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Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
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