Yes, I can finally say that I ran the Flora London Marathon in an official time of 5hr 13mins 59secs !!!!!!

Just want to thank everyone for all their support over the past 6 months or so. Many of you have given me words of encouragement and have had the belief in me that I would be able to finish the Marathon. Thanks for everyone who came on the day to see me run the last 400 meters, I really did appreciate that. Also a quick thank you to Toosie, my physio for the last 6 months. My legs worked perfectly on the day thanks to your healing hands !!!!!

I have to say a massive thank you to my wife, Dee, and little boy, Kiran, as they have hardly seen me for the last 4 months !!!!! All the nights I have walked through the door from work and then walked straight back out again for a training run must not have been easy to take. Love you both lots !!!!!!

All those dark cold nights pounding the streets of Wimbledon finally paid off on Sunday. To see all the people come out and line the streets of London and urge you on, to hear the noise of thousands upon thousands of people from the Embankment to the Finish Line made all the blood, sweat and tears of the training well worth it. I could have probably run a sub 5 hour Marathon but I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much as I did on the day !!!!!

At the last count, with all your donations, I have raised £2,714 !!!!! I still have to count the cash which I have been given so I am hoping to break the £2,800 mark. This money will help SANDS continue the great work they do, so once again, THANK YOU !!!!!!

Before anyone asks, I WILL NOT BE RUNNING THE MARATHON AGAIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE!!

Matesh Patel