There is little more than six weeks to go for Ray Johnson as he bids to complete his 19th successive London Marathon.
So far Ray, who is a member of Folkestone Rotary, has raised more than £75,000 for the Kent Association for the Blind, and in excess of £6,000 for Cancer Research.
Now his sights are set on increasing those numbers when he starts off from Greenwich to the finish beside Buckingham Palace on April 28th.
Ray is hoping for cooler weather next month. Last year, he suffered in the heat and his finish time was slightly slower at 5 hours 4 minutes. His best time was 3 hours 23 minutes which was run in 2002.
I know I can’t beat this 2002 time, but I am sure I can certainly raise more money for charity.”
He said: “Last year it was particularly hard going from as early as mile 8, but thankfully I picked up shortly afterwards.
“I am already in training for this year’s event. I know I can’t beat this 2002 time, but I am sure I can certainly raise more money for charity – and that encourages me tremendously.
“Just the other day I completed a training run of 23 miles from Sandgate Hill to Bonnington church and back. Already I am on my way having raised over £700 so far for this year’s race.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation can donate online or contact Ray at Church House, 136 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2BN.
Meanwhile, Ray’s club have been busy participating in the Fill Your Plate for Polio initiative. Folkestone Rotary held the event at Rocco’s in the town, which was attended by Mayor, Ann Berry, and which raised around £550.
All money raised is generously matched £2 to each £1 raised by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. So that means thanks to the help from Rocco’s, Folkestone Rotary will enable around £1,650 to be added to the End Polio Now initiative.
