Dave Thompson, husband of co-trustee Jean, ran a half-marathon in April, raising £480 for Aquinoe. The race took place around Paddock Wood in Kent near where Jean and Dave live and is an annual event.
He said: “Lots of family and friends sponsored me and also helped with training tips as I am a novice at this sort of thing. I am most grateful.”
It was Dave’s first half-marathon and at the age of 64 he was pleased with his time of just over two hours 28 minutes. The route was largely flat and fortunately the morning was ideal for running, coolish early on but bright.
Dave said: “I run at one pace only but can generally manage to keep going.”
Jean, her son Patrick, partner Helena and her daughter Gracie stationed themselves at a strategic point two miles from the finish and cheered Dave through a tired spell. There was also encouragement from the sidelines soon after halfway where neighbour Liz Baker and daughter Caroline, who ran in the event in 2009, lent valuable support.
Dave had been training since early January, building up steadily but the crucial bit was four days before the race. An old work colleague, Tony Austin, who also took part in 2009, ran the full course and distance with Dave in a final piece of training before the big day.
“I knew then I could do it on race day come what may,” Dave said.
By coincidence, Dave and Tony were born on exactly the same day in 1945. Tony is running the London Marathon on April 25 and the pair are already thinking of attempting Paddock Wood again in 2011.