IF there’s a choice between jumping off the top of a crane or running a marathon in support of his favourite charity, Mark Smith knows exactly which one he would select.
“I did a bungee jump off a crane a few years ago, which was ridiculous,” says teacher and musician Mark.
“I hated it so much - I thought it was absolutely the worst thing I have ever done in my life!”
So now he’s keeping his feet firmly on the ground as he joins the thousands of runners taking part in the 2020 Virtual Virgin Money London Marathon on 4 October.
And even though he’s a complete marathon novice, he’s already raised more than £3,000 for St Luke’s, where his grandad George was a patient back in 2001.
“The care my grandad and the whole family received was second to none and now more than ever, I hope the money raised helps St Luke’s continue their amazing work,” says Mark.
“This is the only charity I would willingly put myself through this level of training for because I know how important it is to support St Luke’s.
“It’s the least I can do when I think of the support my grandad received – it was absolutely incredible.”
“I’m not a runner in any way at all but I’ve been sticking to my training programme and I’m now at the 20 mile mark and I’m running four to five times per week to and from work in the week and around Central London at the weekends.
“Given the current global pandemic, I’m hugely grateful to my friends and family who have come together to help support me every step of the way.
“The fact that so many people are supporting me and donating so generously makes me even more determined to cross the finish line.”
To support Mark simply visit Mark's Marathon