Posted on January 30, 2012 by Phillip Lee

I have decided to shape up and run this year’s London Marathon on 22^nd April. This is my way of celebrating the countdown to the Olympic Games and to make the effort worthwhile, I’ve chosen to support two wonderful charities – The Thames Valley Hospice and The Royal British Legion. The training is proving a little tricky fitting it in and around my parliamentary duties as I have set myself daily five to seven mile runs as well as a twelve to seventeen mile run every week.

The London Marathon is one of the biggest running events in the world and very well recognized. It was founded by the former Olympic champion and journalist Chris Brasher and Welsh athlete John Disley and organised by David Bedford, Race Director and former 10,000m world record holder. The course covers just over 26 miles around the River Thames. Although my first attempt, I very much hope to make it below four hours which might be optimistic but I am determined to cross the finish line in a good time – and in good health!

Of course most competitors are extremely keen to beat not only others but their own previous times but there are also quite a number who do it just for the sheer fun as well as helping to raise money for very good causes  Therefore, for those of you able to part with some cash, I’d greatly appreciate the support for my chosen two charities: The Thames Valley Hospice and The Royal British Legion. The pages to donate can be found here:

Thames Valley Hospice – https://www.justgiving.com/DrPhillipLeeMP
The Royal British Legion – http://www.justgiving.com/DrPhillipLeeMP-RoyalBritishLegion

The Thames Valley Hospice provides palliative care for adults with cancer at any stage and other life limiting illnesses. The organisation provides a whole range of services to support the needs of each person free of charge and is therefore largely dependant on the generosity of its supporters and donors. As a GP, I am very familiar with the difficulties involved in severe illnesses and supporting a family member suffering from these diseases.  I strongly believe that money is well spent supporting this good cause.

In addition, and due to my strong sympathy to both charities, I have also chosen to support the Royal British Legion which provides care, support and advice to the Armed Forces community. There is an active branch in Bracknell constituency and we also have the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst. My grandfather was a tail gunner of a Halifax Bomber, who survived the war and visited the Royal British Legion in Buckinghamshire every week. His brother, a Grenadier guard died near Anzio in Italy. His death, and those of many others, is a sobering reminder of the supreme sacrifices made in the past and the present on behalf of our country.  Sadly, lives continue to be lost in the defence of Britain and its values. Hence, I am proud to be running in support of those who serve in our Armed Forces and their families.