A couple of months ago the Branch agreed to sponsor Debbie Chase in her quest to complete the London Marathon. Debbie is a fitness instructor from Kemsley and wanted to raise some money for the Addison's Disease Self Help Group, a small charity run entirely by volunteers set up to help and advise sufferers of Addison's Disease.  Debbie's original target was £1,000 but she has managed to raise a very impressive £3,000 for the Group.

Below is Debbie's own story of her day.

“You looked like a little girl on her first day at school as you walked away” those were my husband’s words on my mobile as I sat waiting for the London Marathon 2010 to begin. I was sitting in Greenwich Park soaking up the atmosphere and eating my final carbohydrate meal (hot X bun and banana) before lining up at the start. I had dreamt of this day for four and a half years only to have it interrupted by an Addison’s Disease diagnosis in 2006.  In 2005 I power walked the New York marathon in 6 hours 13 minutes 21 seconds and it was my intention to do London in 2006, however I became ill, nothing in particular but everything, you know how it goes. After my diagnosis in October 2006 I was told my marathon days were over mostly by my family who were worried I’d over do it but I vowed that I would do just one more when I was well enough. Well this was the day, I’d done the training, registered at the expo, collected my number and fixed my chip to my shoe. My ADSHG vest had arrived and a local store had put my name on it, I was ready to go. Just for a minute though as the family dropped me off that morning I doubted my ability to do this and I was overcome with emotion. The start was at 9.45 and I arrived at the park at about 8.15. I had time to get a coffee, eat my meal and queue twice for the loo. It started to rain just as the runners were taking off their top layers and stowing their bags. Luckily I had a plastic poncho so I was able to keep dry and warm. I made my way to red start section 9 (the last section off).I had indicated on the entry form that I expected to complete in six and a half hours so they place you at the start accordingly. I had read all the instructions including the one that said if you were walking for any reason “keep to the side of the road farthest from the blue line”. Off we went slowly making our way to the start, it took 22 minutes to cross the start line. I found myself in the middle of the runners so I jogged across the line until I could get to the side of the road as I didn’t want to get in anyone’s way. I never saw a blue line but there was a broken red line which traced the most direct route and is the line the elite runners follow. So we were off, the crowd was amazing people were cheering and shouting our names and encouraging us on. Like everyone else I got off to a really good start and the first mile soon passed by. At the side of the road there were bands of all sorts, church choirs, pubs done up as pirate ships, radio stations and loads of people. I had memorised the route and knew where to expect water, lucozade sport, gel, showers and toilets. It was between mile 1 & 2 that I knew I needed the loo and the queues were about 40 deep but just as I was approaching I spotted a park entrance and just beyond the gate were public toilets no queue. Problem solved quick pit stop and I was on my way. The next marker in my mind was the Cutty Sark between mile 6 & 7. I followed the Angel of the North and spotted my family just around the corner. They waved and cheered and high fived me. I didn’t stop but grinned widely as I passed. My next marker was Tower Bridge   nearly half way. I kept scanning the crowd for my family as I knew they would move on and spotted them at mile 14 talking to someone who I later realised was Nadia Sawalha. Different bits of me were aching by this time but I knew from experience that the discomfort moves on. One minute your hips hurt, then it’s your thighs, bottom or ankles. Before I started I’d taken a slow release painkiller and anti inflammatory tablet along with an extra 10mg HC.  

 My husband handed me a bag of small pretzels which are great to snack on as they are salt loaded, so I tucked them into my bumbag and carried on. Nadia came up to speak to me after and we spent the rest of the course passing each other, she jogged a bit then walked and I kept up a fast walking pace. All along the route spectators were handing out jelly beans, jelly babies, flapjacks, bananas and orange quarters amongst other things. At one point I remember thinking I’ve eaten my way round this course. The more obscure things I was offered were a can of John Smith’s and a sandwich.  Stamford the Chelsea FC mascot passed accompanied by cheers and boos, I kept passing rhinos then they passed me. The Help for Heroes team were replacing a leg and then going on. Two blind runners with guides passed. Everyone on this course has a story to tell and they are all amazing.I’d never been to Docklands or the Isle of Dogs but I wasn’t disappointed, the residents were lining the streets and were some of the noisiest I came across all day. They were camped by the side of the road having picnics not just there for the elite but supporting the tail enders. I spotted celebrities in the crowd drinking champagne and all this entertainment helped the miles pass by. I had a salt loaded Power Gel to take at mile 18 and followed my plan. I knew my family would be at about mile 21 and started looking for them however I totally missed them because I was following the red line and they were on the other side of the road. Eight of them were screaming at me and yet other runners had to tap me on the shoulder and alert me to their presence. Barry shouted did I want a banana or more pretzels I declined and felt guilty for missing them and not stopping but I was in the zone having realised a little earlier that if I could speed up a little I’d beat my NY time.The last 5 miles were soon done and before I knew it I saw the 800m sign, then 600m, 400m and finally 200m and then the emotional moment of crossing the line.

It was done, I’d done it, a dream realised and a personal goal achieved. Despite the Addison’s I’d beaten my NY time, one of my son’s had been tracking me online and he soon phoned through with my time 6 hours 4 minutes 47 seconds.After you go through the finishing gantry someone removes your shoe chip, then you are handed your medal followed by a goody bag. You then collect your stowed bag and finally try to find your family. All of the above were done with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes but I finally broke down when I reached the family. 

I can honestly say that I never hit that wall thanks in the main to my training, my family and the wonderful crowds who made it an absolute pleasure to be doing the marathon representing the ADSHG and hopefully raising £3000 at the same time.