Father to run 12th London Marathon (From Watford Observer)

Paul Sycamore to run 12th London Marathon for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation

11:40am Thursday 21st March 2013 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

When Abbots Langley father, Paul Sycamore crosses the finishing line of the London Marathon 2013 he will breathe a sigh of relief as this year will be the twelfth time he has run the 26 mile race.

Mr Sycamore was 25 when he first took part and said he enjoys the day and helping others so much he decided to carry on until his legs won’t take him anymore.

Now gearing up for his twelfth race the father-of- two will raise money for the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.

The reason is particularly close to home after his wife Natalie’s mother, Margaret Chadwick, was diagnosed with lung cancer just a few weeks ago.

The 44-year-old said: "I previously ran to raise money for this charity two years ago in honour of Natalie’s aunt, who died of lung cancer. By coincidence Margaret has just been diagnosed - you never know when you’re going to need the help yourself.

"Natalie has been very supportive and appreciative - she always tells me, she doesn’t know how I do it. I just do it because I enjoy it and I want to help others. You never know what is around the corner.

"If I can help other people in any way that I can, I will and I will do it until my legs will let me."

Mr Sycamore of Sabine House, Shirley Road, said he hopes to finish the race in less than six hours- but this may be slightly optimistic because of the lack of training he has completed.

He said: "I have done little training but hope to step it up in the next few weeks. I will get round though.

"There have been times on the train, on the way to the race, where I am thinking - how are you going to do this Paul, but I always manage it."

The London underground worker recalled the time he completed the marathon to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital and stopped off with his friend for a pint during the race.

He said: "Other runners were looking at us in disgust, but we got round the race and had such a laugh.

"There have been other times when I’ve watched older people in their 70s or 80s going past me. I was left feeling quite embarrassing.

"When I reach the 12 mile point I start to feel the agonising pain in my legs, but the adrenaline and determination to finish it gets you round."

Mr Sycamore says he is looking forward to seeing the faces of Natalie and their two children, Arthur, 7, and Connie aged 4 who will be there at the finish line cheering him on.

He said: "Crossing the finishing line and reaching Buckingham Palace is very emotional. It’s a fantastic sense of achievement, knowing you have completed another marathon.

"Arthur often runs the last little bit with me which is great. He keeps asking me when he can run a marathon. We’ll have to wait and see."

Mr Sycamore has raised over £1,460 for his chosen charity and hopes to smash his £2,000 fundraising target.

To sponsor Mr Sycamore visit www.justgiving.com/PaulSycamore or contact him on 07877 960597.