Here at Donation4Charity.org HQ we received the following email from an old friend (but not that old as he tells us!) Zane Maynard speaking about his participation in the Great North Run. Although he ran over 5 months ago we’re unable to substantiate claims that he has only just recaptured use of his bodily functions to write the following email! He says he would have sent it whilst running if he’d had broadband on the move!

“On September 30th 2007 I took part in the Great North Run. This world famous, 13 mile half Marathon race is in its 26th year of running.
 
I decided to dedicate my challenge by raising funds for the National Autistic Society (NAS). The reason I chose the NAS in the end was a very simple one. Over the last 3 years I have worked at the well know Sandfields Comprehensive School in Port Talbot South Wales. Attached to the school we have a provision which caters for young people with Autism.
 
The NAS champion the rights and interests of all people with autism and aim to provide individuals with autism and their families with help, support and services that they can access, trust and rely upon and which can make a positive difference to their lives.
 
Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them. People with autism have difficulties with everyday social interaction.
 
Overall the race proved a huge personal success and I came a very pleasing 1,269th out of an estimated 50,000 runners. I recorded a time of 1 hour 34 mines 44secs which helped me smash my previous best by over 10 mins.
 
I managed to raise over £550 for the NAS on the day and would like to thank all my kind sponsors for their donations and encouragement. In particular I would like thank Mr Neil McDermott for his generous sponsorship on behalf of Venturian Media Ltd (owners of Donation4Charity.org).

I first met Neil in September 1997 on our first day of Staffordshire University, and as well as being classmates for 3 years we have remained in close contact 10 years on, although geography of the UK has not allowed us to meet often as we would like in person.
 
May I take this opportunity to wish all the readers of this blog the best of British and hope to see you all at the start of the 2008 Great North Run.”

Thanks for those kind words mate - rather you than me in running all those miles!!!

Following on from our article here Megan and Emma Whitehouse have sent us over the final flyer to promote their sale for Cancer Research UK. We hope everything goes well for you girls!