Mark Day, a former student (OH 1977-84), parent of a student, and school governor (2008-12), recently completed the London Marathon to raise money for Spinal Injuries Association.  He told us more about why he was competing:

The background to my taking on the London Marathon is centred around my Uncle Graham. 25 years ago, he was involved in a life-changing RTA, breaking his back, so hasn't walked since. His injuries were so severe, that he was touch and go as to whether he would survive. The great news is that he did, and is still going strong 25 years later.

What many people do not understand is how hard life is once you have such severe disabilities. Firstly, you have to "recover", and then you learn to live  - move about, get dressed, etc. All these things we do, we take for granted, but if you have such serious injuries, you need help and support in re-establishing your life. 

The Spinal Injuries Association (www.spinal.co.uk) aren't a large charity, but the work they do for individuals who find themselves affected in this way is essential.

I've done a few triathlons but my weakest part is running - I just don’t enjoy it! I'm a swimmer really (I was in the same era as Kevin Boyd, OH 1975-84, our swim team was unbeaten in the early '80s, well before the school pool was built!). So, to commemorate 25 years of my uncle "surviving", I decided to take on the challenge of the London Marathon. 

The training was all done on my own, running along the quiet roads of East Yorkshire, a far cry from the crowd-packed roads of the capital last weekend! I was plagued with niggly injuries, knees, etc., but I kept to my 12-week plan without fail.

Waiting at the start, it was pouring with rain, which I didn't enjoy but as you tour the course, and the crowds support you, with all the sights of the capital to watch, it's a great event to take part in. Tower Bridge was my favourite landmark, which was about halfway round and of course the finish line!! My family were at the 25-mile mark - so it was a long time before I saw their familiar faces shouting for me (you will see I used the name Hull Man, which several people, including some lads in Hull City shirts, called out!).

My training stood me in good stead - I aimed for 4 hours 15 - and managed 4 hours 19 - I would have probably been on time if it wasn’t for two potty stops in the second half (too much free water taken on!!).

If you would like to sponsor Mark, please visit Mark's Spinal Injuries Association Page