It’s all over! I turned up, I ran and now I’m sitting on the sofa feeling a bit achy but ultimately delighted with how it went. I made 13 miles in under 2 hours, the weather held out, and it was an enjoyable race.

Having woken at some unearthly hour - about 5.30 am (!) and tried to induce some more shut-eye, I eventually gave up and by 6.45am most of the household was up. The kids were very excited and an hour later we had donned our Hope T shirts and headed off to the church.

A great team had gathered, T shirted and ready for the off, and it wasn’t long before the public descended, enjoying scrumptious cakes and letting their kids get stuck into crafts, biscuit making, bouncing on the inflatables and numerous other fun activities.

Meanwhile a small group of us planning to do some exercise (!) were heading down the street preparing to embark on the fun run or half marathon. Once we got underway there was only one thing for it - we had to keep on pounding the streets until 13 miles were good and over!

In spite of some pre-race nerves I was pleased with my run and felt the day was a real success. 75 people wore Hope ‘08 T shirts and there was great community spirit and helpful chats engaged in by the team at base camp. More people in Brentwood have connected with those of us who have eternal hope, so let’s trust and pray for lasting results from seeds sown.160014524_b3aa590fb4_m.jpg