Day Three - Progress

Today the boys are joined by Andys friends Mat Clark and John Wright, and Jim is also running with them again.

Mat and John certainly did think love was in the air this morning when they were greeted by Andy and Steve in some rather compromising positions ! The boys assured Mat and John it was all necessary preparation for taping up the legs for the day ahead !

They set off this morning about 9am from Annandale Water services just north of Lockerbie. Annandale Water services were opened in 1973 by Rodney Bewes who played the character Bob Ferris in the popular TV comedy the 'Likely Lads'. (Every day is a school day on this blog)!

As of the last update at 13:40, our own Likely Lads were 20 miles in.

The driving rain has held off so far today, the wind is a little more bearable but it is still a very tough route and we have some very tired legs out there.

Mat ran the 1st 13 miles with the boys then John took over and Jim once again is running with them the full distance. This is a massive help to our boys and I know much appreciated.

If anyone can spare any time at all to go up a run a bit with them I know the boys will be really grateful. As the week goes on they will need all the support we can give them, keep posting, keep raising the money and keep supporting this amazing challenge that these guys have took on.

Mel Singleton

Day Two - Review

I'm back home now having left Steve, Andy and Jim at a Service Station somewhere north of Lockerbie. Although Andy's friend Matt will set off at 5.30am tomorrow to join the lads and give them the support they need, I kind of feel as if I've abandoned them. 

The emotional journey Steve and Andy are on is huge and although I've not experienced their pain, witnessing it first hand has had a real impact on me. 

I've left them to re-use their jokes about 'developing blisters on your bum' with the other support drivers and it's time to post the pictures and videos from Day 2.

Famous celebrity Keith Chegwin kindly made his way to the start point on Day 2 to wish Andy and Steve good luck.. Steve is clearly overwhelmed having met one of his boyhood heroes.

Steve and Jim make the most of the beautiful views over the Southern Uplands prior to setting off. 

Whilst they do so, Andy takes the opportunity to practice his golf swing.

Steve tackles the two blisters on his baby toe. He has feet that only a mother could love.

The three jubilant lads reach the 26.2 mile mark at the end of Day Two.

And finally, another one for the foot fetishists amongst you, Steve's blackened toe nail which will undoubtedly drop off pretty soon.

Day Three takes the boys from Annandale Water to just north of Gretna where no doubt romance will be in the air when they finish successfully!

Allen.

Day Two - Progress

The day started on a good surface with 6 miles on a cycle track alongside what used to be the A74, the main route to the South from Glasgow. Then it was through Abington and on toward Beattock Summit.

The weather has been absolutely miserable with persistent rain and strong head winds but the lads are battling through. Steve has had some blister issues and they are soaked through but with 6 miles to go, the end is in sight!

Steve and Andy have been joined today by Jim, Steve's work colleague. As a veteran if 10 previous marathons, his experience is proving useful for the boys.

Pics and a video or two will be posted tonight.

Allen

Day One - The End

A little video of the last few yards and some photographic evidence to show the lads are still in one piece!

Day One - Complete!

Attached video was taken at the 13 mile mark.

So, day one completed successfully, loads of long hills and some real tough sections. Steve and Andy got to the hotel and had an ice bath and both seem to be feeling relatively good.....

Steve - "Tough day, glad it's over, donations make it worthwhile. Don't know how I will manage to do another tomorrow, let alone another six!! Scottish terrain is tougher than I ever expected".

Andy - "One down, six to go, too many hills for my liking! Was good to finish and I feel a lot better than I thought I would but let's see how I am in the morning".

Day One - Progress Update

Arrived at Celtic Park at 9.20 and met my friend Michael who is one of the Groundsmen. Michael took us on to the pitch and the lads posed for pictures in the tunnel area.

Steve's work colleague turned up unexpectedly to wish them well and they stopped for a few more pics with the statue of Jock Stein.

Then it was down to serious business and the boys set off down London Road in the pouring rain for the long journey South. Unbelievably, they were in a pub within a mile as nerves got the better of Steve and he decided to use the toilet facilities!

As I type, the boys are at the halfway mark and it's fair to say its been tough so far due to the weather conditions and the hilly landscape through Rutherglen, Hamilton and Larkhall. They are still smiling though and with a refuelling stop under their belts, they are ready for the second half of day one.

Allen.

Donations Update

We've been absolutely overwhelmed at the levels of support we've received for our challenge and are very proud to report that as of this morning, total funds raised and pledged so far amount to an absolutely staggering £7,308!!!!!

We can't begin to say how good this makes us feel and your generosity goes a very long way to easing the physical pain and mental stress we have endured over the last 6 months.

If we haven't thanked you personally for your donation, please accept our gratitude and remember to keep spreading the word on our behalf as we would dearly love to reach our original goal of £10,000.

We set off for Glasgow at 6pm on Saturday evening, where its straight to bed on arrival; don't really think we should go out on the town the night before we start!

The run will commence at Celtic Park at 9.30am and we are delighted that Celtic F.C.  have very kindly allowed us access to take some pictures and video for the blog.

Sunday will see us travel south from Glasgow through Hamilton and on toward the general area of Douglas Water. Our complimentary overnight stay at the New Lanark Mill Hotel has been arranged by Mike Cleary so thanks to Mike for looking after us!

Thanks once again for all your support and remember to keep looking in next week as our aim is to post regular updates, pictures and videos.

Steve & Andy