Matt Sanderson
My Story
As a proud Sheffielder i've had my own share of amazing treatment at Sheffield Children's hospital. It was there for me as a child as i got to grips with asthma from the age of 7 and still there for my son Olly when he had a two operations as a baby.
In more recent times i've been touched by the care and amazing service the hospital has provided for one of the talented little runners i have the pleasure of coaching at Dobcroft Junior school. The recovery from a serious illness is nothing short of spectacular and seeing them back racing for the school again (and smashing it!) is a joy to watch.
We are fortunate to have this amazing hospital on our doorstep and to know it is there if needed for our children as they go through their early years in life.
Its been around 15 years since i last did a fundraising event for the hospital so this is well overdue! Back then it was the motivation to get through my first Ironman triathlon. This time it will be for the first stand alone marathon i've run as every other marathon i've run has been after a 180k bike ride - so in theory i should be able to run it quicker at least!
I haven't asked for sponsorship recently as most of you reading this will know that i'm capable of doing the marathon and in many cases i've probably told you to just 'ger-on-we-it' - that's a highly technical Sheffield coaching mantra for dealing with pre race nerves!
I will however give this my best shot and aim for a sub 3hr time and promise to stop for a high 5 and a sweaty kiss with my beautiful family along the way.
Please support The Childrens Hospital charity in any way you can. Your help is very much appreciated.
Matt