London Marathon: 'I'm 76 – my wife originally completely forbid me to do it'
Every year over 37,000 professional and amateur runners tackle the 26 mile and 385 yard course that makes up the London Marathon.
Most people taking part are raising money for a huge variety of good causes, and on Sunday morning 25 runners will be lining up to fundraise for the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS).
This week, EFDS tells the story of just some of those pulling on the Federation’s branded vests to run through London, raising money to support more disabled people to be active.
Today, Nick Mills and his father-in-law, David Wilson, discuss running together and dreaming of that finish line.
Nick’s Marathon story:
I am running to help a cause that is close to my heart. My daughter Lottie Mills has Cerebral Palsy and benefits a lot from what the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) does. She is a keen swimmer and enters the participation opportunities through EFDS's Disability Sport Events programme.
Look at the work EFDS does, see how they help a range of disabled people. Sport for disabled people is an area of growth, and people’s view of it has changed very much since 2012. It is more recognised, with more fantastic opportunities out there. EFDS provides opportunities and that makes a huge difference to someone like Lottie.
I ran the London Marathon last year for EFDS. Fundraising went very well, with Lottie’s help.
Training this year is not so bad – it’s difficult fitting it around my job. I’m a pilot, so when I’m away I’m forever trying to run random places to jog. But it’s not gone too badly. I've found myself running in places like Montenegro, south Germany, Geneva. All over Europe.
I ran 3 hours 57 minutes last year, but this year is very different because my father-in-law, who is in his 70s, is running his first marathon and is also fundraising for EFDS.
So what I’ve said, because I think he will appreciate the support, is that I’ll run with him. Running with someone else will make this Marathon very different for me, very rewarding. It’ll be really good.
I will help him get round, and I’m sure he’ll help me. And we’ll finish together.
David’s Marathon story:
I saw Nick run the Marathon in 2011, and when he got his medal at the finish I was green with envy and decided I wanted one!
I haven’t done much running before. I'm now 76. In my twenties I was physically fit and really I have always been so because of the job I have. I used to be in the Army and I ran a few cross-country runs as well as track events, running a mile. But it’s been over 50 years since my last serious run.
I am certainly not naturally good at running – it is hard. Breathing was difficult to start off with, but that is now OK. But my legs ache and do start to work after a while.
I try to run every other day, but really I run properly about twice a week. The maximum distance I have run so far is 15 miles. I have been training for six months, but unfortunately in the middle I picked up a virus and lost about a month.
My wife thinks I’m absolutely mad, and originally completely forbid me to do it. But now she is very helpful, absolutely brilliant. Madeleine nags me to train, even. We have been married for 53 years now.
I tell you what my biggest wish is, apart from finishing – the thought of running past Buckingham Palace. It really gets to me. And I’m really determined to get over that finishing line, even if I have to crawl over it.
Last year I witnessed the enthusiasm of the spectators, and I saw the runners putting their all into it. It’s really moving.
If I can finish in six hours, I will be more than satisfied.
I think EFDS is a thoroughly worthwhile charity. They ensure more disabled people can be active. You never know- perhaps we are supporting future Paralympians too.
