Amazing athletes

Yesterday saw 36,000 runners take to the streets of London for the 26 gruelling miles of the Marathon 2014. My son's girlfriend was running for the Anthony Nolan trust. It was a rather too sunny a day for the runners but London looked beautiful under blue skies.
My Hb, who is a keen runner, went up to watch and was astonished how many spectators there were. He found a spot where you could see the runners on their way in and then on their way out 11 miles later. The elite athletes came through first and he managed to snap a couple of shots with his phone of Mo Farrah.

He also got a shot of the front "pack" and the runner who went on to win, Wilson Kipsang of Kenya.

He managed to spot Charlotte at the 11 and 22 mile leg of the race but it was such a fleeting moment and there were so many runners that he did not have a chance to snap her.
I am so proud of Charlotte. She has spent months training for this gruelling race and has also raised over £800 pounds for the Anthony Nolan Trust. I would like to thank those of you who so generously helped to swell the amount that she has raised. If you would  like to donate, her JustGiving page is still open here

And here is a photo of her amazing medal....well done Charlotte and very well deserved.



I put the live coverage on my tablet in my studio and watched the race from there. It was a most beautiful day outside in the garden. Billy loved me being around.

 and as Charlotte ran I made her a card. My inspiration was London and the wonderful cheering crowds there. Here it is ;

I used a Penny Black stamp which I won many years ago and it is such a great image to use for her. I coloured it with my Promarkers and added some highlights with Prismacolor  pencils. I decided that I wanted a patriotic red,white and blue theme.  I used some papers which are very "London" and even feature a London bus. I want Charlotte to remember all those wonderful iconic London landmarks she ran past. I decided that rather than a congratulations sentiment that I would use a Lili of the Valley "amazing" sentiment. The date sentiment is Whismy. I also added a charm from my stash and hand cut some celebration bunting.

I would like to enter my card into the following challenges;

Totally Gorjuss charming
Stampin for the weekend favourite stamp
Crafty hands anything goes
Ribbon Girl lovely Lili anything goes my "amazing" sentiment stamp is LOTV
Rhedd and Rosie anything goes
The cupboard trilogy friendship
Whimsy stamps anything goes
Little Claire's Lots of layers

Already Charlotte is talking about "next year" so if she gets a place again come autumn you will find her out pounding the streets, in all weathers, getting her training in ;0) A remarkable and inspiring young woman. Everyone is very proud of her. And one thing she needs to remember for next year if it is as sunny..."Wear Sunscreen"..ooowch!!

Back soon,

Bye for now,

Jane x