COLCHESTER UNITED

What an incredible day it's been today. A day filled with pride and deep emotion. A day of raindrops and tears. A day filled with the sunshine of smiles.

Leanne and I had booked a cab for 8.30am to take us to the station. When we woke up and saw the gloomy skies we were glad we had; we didn't want to be drenched before we even got to Colchester. We didn't bother with breakfast....Saturday's supper of Victorian Sponge filled with cherries had left us both full.

The taxi arrived on time; it was a Merc so we travelled in style.......

and were at the station in minutes................. for some reason the train from Marks Tey to Colchester had been cancelled and so part of the journey to Colchester had to be made on the Rail Relief Bus

THE JOURNEY

Kim and Steve kindly picked us up from Colchester Station and off we went to Colchester Park where the race was being run. As I looked around at all the people gathered there and read all the messages pinned to their t-shirts I couldn't help but shed a few tears.. So many women touched in some way by the evil curse of Cancer. Names of Grandparents, Parents, Children, Friends..........so many different relatives....some even "FOR EVERYBODY". Each woman (some elderly, some children) felt an universal bond as they prepared to run for their loved ones. Not even the rain could dampen their spirits as they (and people like me who came to support them) united in a single thought...................in praise and memory for those who are suffering, have suffered and one day may suffer from this terrible disease that destroys the lives of so many.

THE RACE

After many hugs of pride and tears Kim went off home to have a well earned rest. Leanne and I walked through the park to town; by now the effects of that Victoria Sponge had worn off and MacDonalds was calling! We popped into a couple of shops and then caught the bus to Leanne's. VIA THE PARK TO LEANNE'S

It's only the second time I've been to Leanne's home. The first time was near Christmas 2005; when, with Mick already in a wheelchair, Leanne arranged some very costly special transport so that we could visit her. Yes we shed a few tears at this memory.............

The grandchildren arrived home and Kirsty opened the birthday presents from myself and Manda and co. and all to soon it was time for me to leave. I'd booked a cab to get me to Colchester Station for the Rail Relief Bus back to Marks Tey...the taxi was rather late and I only just made it in time!...thanks to the driver cutting a few corners and maneuvering some interesting overtaking procedures.............

THE JOURNEY HOME

Now I know some of you who are reading this are also taking part in the Race For Life in your own parts of the country during the coming months. (Yes Julie I'm thinking especially of you). I want you to know how much it means to people like me who have seen their loved ones ravaged and destroyed by Cancer. They call it the RACE for life; but it isn't a race...whether you are first or last past the finishing line; whether you run or walk; there are no losers; you are all WINNERS in my eyes.

And to help you with your training here are a few clips of Kim doing her "WARM UPS" before the race.......

Well I'm worn out myself after doing this "marathon" post so apologies if I don't blogvisit you all this evening. I'll catch up with you tomorrow..........