Rosie's 26 marathons in 26 days.

2010-07-22T14:30:00.002+01:00

Dear Everybody, Welcome to EVERYBODY taking part in the wonderful Tenby 10K that start at the Croft, close to Tenby town centre at 11am on Sunday 25th JULY.

This is such a beautiful town and Tenby 10k is an exceptionally friendly and lovely  race organised by Ann Rowell 01834 842345. It is one of  the club races of TROT St Clears Running Club, to which I belong.  (I shall be one of those helping at a water station..a lovely job!)- IF YOU ARE STAYING NEAR TENBY OR ANYWHERE IN SOUTH WALES on holiday - Please COME AND RUN!!! I'd love to see you..  You CAN enter on the day.  Everybody, from champion runners to fun runners and all on holiday are vvvv welcome  - see www.TROTS.org.uk for details.

  Love and thanks again to you all - hope so v much u can come and run on Sunday.  Rosiexxx

thank you Rob

2010-05-22T09:56:00.003+01:00

Thank you for the wonderful photos.

NEWS!

2010-05-20T17:54:00.005+01:00

THE NEXT ADVENTURE IS A LECTURE TOUR IN THE UK AND USA.Please look at my brand new TALKS WEBSITE JUST STARTED TODAY.. www.rosieswalepope.com. Thank you all for following me and doing so much to help me keep going..
Rosie

BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY - ICEBIRD AND I MISS YOU!

2010-05-17T17:22:00.005+01:00

Dear Everybody, GREAT NEWS - £5,398 has been raised for Ty Hafan through JustGiving, and also 500 pounds has been donated to Ty Hafan by Tenby Rotary Club, and another £200 and £100 was given by Tenby Golf Club and Kidwelly Rotary Club.. Also, £3,242.22 has been raised on the JustGiving pages as you can see, for Helen and Douglas House - and it is stil coming inthanks to you all - and every penny is very badly needed. Both these charities are always going of be part of my life. They will join my other special causes that include The Prostate Cancer Charity and the Kidney Wales Foundation. I shall continue to do everything I can to help them.
Also marvellous news is that Runner's World have asked me to write an article about running the 27 marathons. This will be in the September issue, out in August- I look back on running 27 marathon in 27 days and they seem a mix of a story of True Human Magic because of the fabulous people I met and the landscapes through which I ran... but also like something out of a blockbuster epic film.. with near desasters.. and struggles and set backs that almost meant the end and failure - but ALWAYS I was helped against the odds to win through...
The last piece of good newsis that the book JUST A LITTE RUN AROUND THE WORLD has just gone into 5th edition, 36,000 copies will be in print up to now... It is especially wonderful news as it means the advance will soon have been paid back so that I can put a percentage of the royalties forever to aid the Prostate Cancer charity.
Thank you for reading the book and for hundreds of kind letters about it.I am so very, very grateful to a everybody... for so many reasons..
Most of all, I have to say that the dark days in Siberia when I thought I would never make it home are now all worth it...
Icebird and I never dreamed we'd end up running the 27 marathons in 27 days around Britain together!!! - this pic of Icebird in Iceland two years ago... and Icebird in her new cover and wonderful logos designed by Robert Thomas before the start of the 27marathons - brings it all back..
The little cart and I both got into trouble during the recent marathons... She was saved by Laddingford Engineering, welded together on TWO different occasions... and keptgoing. One exampel was that she broke so badly at Southend, that she her bottom was trailing on he ground... I was in despair.. trying to drag her and make do the vital 26.2 miles in Southend somehow, before getting to Brighton for the marathon there next day...
I kept doing the Southend miles, determined to achieve them somehow.. the 26.2 miles was the law. I did not know how to get the cart mended.. or how to get that done and reach Brghn for thenext marathon, all I knew was that if I failed in Southend, the rest of the marathons could not make it up. I kept looking at the precious Garmin... mile after slowmile.. until they added up to the 26.2!! Often frends kindly drove my car to the start of the enxt marathon while I slept in my sleeping bag in theback, but this time I was going to have to drive my little car with its trailer and Icebird put on top myself, but was afraid but after the big struggle of pullin a broen cart wa so tired I was afraid I would fall asleep at the wheel, and also had not idea how to get the cart mended in time, or how to get the energy to run the Brighton marathon. The fact I had no daygs off but HAD to run a marathon a day, was the biggest challenge, and hard thngs nearly impossible logistically if anything went wrong, as there was no slack time in which to fix it!! There was no stack time. It had been my choice! I had felt pulling my cart and having no days off would make it a bigger challenge and make moremoney for the charities.. but this time I feared I was beaten. I did not say this to myself. I said... Something good WILL HAPPEN... I'LL MAKE IT..and so I did - becaus magic happened - two wonderful, wonderful strangers on the seafront (whose names I still ahveto strugle to find on the torn off piece of paper they gave me afterwards) offered to drive my car. The kind gentleman took the wheel and his wife and son followed behind in their own car. I phoned Laddingford Engineering and Dave said they would wai for me.. so I was driven to the Laddingford Engineering Works near Maidstone.. and Dve and is team worked on cebird until nearly midnight.. The straner had left, but the sleep I 'd had in the back of the car on the way to Maidstone had given me energy - and s after Icebird was fixed against the odds in time.. I droe her off at about 1am - and after just one more hour's seep in a laby on the way - made it t Brighton with Icebird in time to run the Brighon Marathona after all.got there JUST IN TIME - and was wonderfully supported by my son James (also brilliant master of the website) who lives in Hove, and also fabulously support by Rob Thomas's sister Sarah and her husband Guy...They are extraordinary people, as my new book will tell. It turned out that I was able to run withIcebird all the way in the Brighton Marathon... and it became the little cart's proudest moment after all... People were hanging fromther balconies cheering all the runners... but especially cheering Icebird...they were shouting themselves hoarse for us...hanging from the balconies... I had tears in my eyes all the time... and all the other runners were wonderful to me. too. So generousI'll just never forget any of it..I think people thought I was namedICEBIRD too!!They were shouting ICEBIRD...ICEBIRD...ICEBIRD... I can still hear it...The is just a very rough sketch of one of the moments that could have ended it all...but ended up as one of the very special memories of the 27 days.. There's so much more to say I hope to tour the country giving talks and meeting someof you again. Meanwhile just thank you all again so very, very much..
Rosie
tel 0781 594 3786
rosiesp@blackberry.orange.co.uk

2010-05-14T16:38:00.000+01:00

Photographer Gareth Davies, who kindly sent me this photo of Rosies running 27th marathon with friends.

2010-05-03T09:58:00.001+01:00

Roast dinner! - thanks to my friends Tracey and Steve Thomas, Weybourne Guest House Tenby - neighbours - talkk about being spoilt!!! Rxxxxx

2010-05-02T16:10:00.000+01:00

Slept most of today...feels strange to sleep in a bed again... V emotional finish.... I am grateful for a little rest now but the love of the open road..and for all those I meet along the way will never leave my heart... This will be the beginning of something else.. My family. Friends all the great people and runners have given me strength.. First step will be to get treatment for torn knee ligament.. Will be better soon. Thank you all so much for sponsoring me... Please don't stop yet, as it has helped TY Hafan and Helen House so very much. Love. Rosiexx

Three cheers for all the wonderful people who helped me all along the way. Rxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PS if anyone has photos of the finish please send them my way. Many thanks James.

2010-05-01T20:52:00.000Z

Pictures from Rosie's 27th and last marathon.Well done mum. Love James

2010-05-01T13:13:00.002Z

Rosie on the BBC News website here. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/8655874.stm

2010-05-01T13:04:00.000Z

Wonderful team... Three cheers for them all.. We are so grateful to those sponsoring us to help Ty Hafan and Helen House hospices..THANK YOU ALL ALSO SO VERY MUCH FOR SPONSORING ME ON LINE ... PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP.. Last marathon today..hope to much to reach target. Rxxxx

Ella abd Wil Richardson - who are part of lovely Richardson family - with me on day 1 - and now on day27!!!!!rxx

2010-05-01T09:04:00.000Z

Start of Tenby marathonR. xxxx

 Scott and Matthew welcomed me w breakfast before 27th marathon.rxx

2010-04-30T20:29:00.002Z

Hi everyone, great news, is about mile 23 offer 26 marathon. She has nearly finished her challenge, but she is doing one extra marathon tomorrow in Temby and then she'll be finished. Regards James.

2010-04-30T20:24:00.000Z

Rosie and Michelle - HBA and Lisa Moore - Hannah Meredith Foundation.

Rosie and Peter - HBA at mile 20

The HBA gang with Rosie

Rosie's BBC film crew and Times photoghrapher at the Llanelli Star Great Welsh Marathon

2010-04-30T20:16:00.000Z

Luke Gasser - Human Being Active and Rosie Swale

 Rosie and some of the Human Being Active team

Rosie on Llanelli's Millennium Coastal Path

Aled Llywelyn - the world's most rugged photographer tel 07969002137. Rxx

2010-04-30T17:21:00.000Z

Rosie and the youngest mermber of Human Being Active

Hi Vicky here is Rosie with the SaponAqua cream

Icebird and the other birds!!!  Llanelli 26th Marathon!  Rxx

2010-04-30T11:00:00.000Z

2010-04-30T10:24:00.000Z

Tim, organiser of Llanelli Marathon (number 26!!!!!!) greeting me.. V rainy... Arrived 2.30am thanks to wonderful Tess, who drove me from Stratford to here...then caught 3.30ish am train home! - Icebird and I keep meeting the most brilliant and amazing people everywhere..

I am vvvvvvvv excited to be back in Wales.. Determined that knee will hold out..I'm inspired by all the great people now donating on my JustGivingpages - I am so very grateful.. You are making every step worthwhile. Love, Rosiexx

THE FINISH STRATFORD - VLOADING icebird to take hour to Llanelli.rxxxx

2010-04-29T18:33:00.000Z

Dear James and Rob, this pic is very important as tee-shirt from Antur who generously sponsored me and helped me get equipment for run and also helped towards the fuel costs, vv much appreciated. Rxxxxx

Margaret..oh Margaret.. Spent 12 hours on ferry then 9 hours on her scooter (even along M5!!) - then even she's never run before - she ran 15 miles today _ shaking a b ox - and raised a load of money for Helen House and Ty Hafan!!! - also big than to Dave, Wayne, Naomi and at Simply Run (www.simplyrun.co.uk) and to the remarkable and v helpful Tess Lulkehurst. Rxx

2010-04-29T15:33:00.000Z

Rebecca Pridham hunted us down and gave us lots of money!

In our fashionable rain wear in friend Colin Smith Family Butcher in Wellforth-on-Avon.  Rxx

I'm very pleased to have met Mick Curry, the Mick in MicknPhil Marathon lads, also winners of the Jane Thomlinson award, here in Stratford.

 Icebird in front of Shakespeare's birthplace. Rxxx

Stratford Runners!!rxx

2010-04-29T10:49:00.000Z

This is wonderful Margaret Stamps who has ridden her scooter all the way from Jersey to run with me and the lovely Simply Run Shop Stratford team. And three cheers for Tess Lukehurst who is being absolutely fantastic. Lovexx Rosie

Andrew Fox, commissioned from The Guardian newspaper to photo Icebird and me before Stratford Marathon today.. Rxxxxxx

Steve Morris journalist for Guardian newspaperrxxxxx

2010-04-28T18:31:00.001Z

....Ian Gosling - who has come to guide again..Ellie will there too later. Rx

2010-04-28T14:37:00.000Z

Jo came all the out to Windsor. Rxxx

With Henry! - in Great Windsor Park..rxxx

2010-04-28T11:19:00.000Z

Lovely here, but ran until midnightish completing Reading Marathon nursing knee..great support from MOTI CLAN.. Also brilliant Reading Runners Ian and Ellie on their bikes..m many many thanks. Late to Windsor today driving myself to start... Have permission to use Royal Grounds. Will be amazing though expect to finish v late again - but all the support is willing me forward - only FOUR marathons to go including extra one!!!!! Rosiex

Windsor Park... Met these nice cyclists on a challenge for the RNLI..GREAT ..started late, but knee feels much better thanks to Jo's massage yesterday. Rxxxx

2010-04-27T18:47:00.000Z

2010-04-27T11:13:00.001Z

MARATHON 23 TODAY!! - Reading.. Excited and happy though tired!! V grateful to MOTI RUNNING SHOPS who once again have done everything poss to help me.

Moti manager Scott will be running w me today to guide me and I hope to give a little talk at the MOTI shop in Reading after today's run..
BIG BIG PURPOSE this morning as I lie in Icebird near Reading start at Stadium eating my b/fast is to THANK YOU ALL SO VVVV MUCH FOR BRILLIANT SUPPORT AND FOR SPONSORING ME...

PLEASE..PLEASE...PLEASE CONTINUE TO SPONSOR ME...NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL, I have been on This Morning TV AS YOU ALLL KNOW, BUT THERE HAS NOT BEEN V MUCH TIME FOR OTHER PR, AS THE RUNNING TAKES ALL MY STRENGTH..

THE CHALLENGE HAS BEEN TO GET ENOUGH TIME TO EAT AND SLEEP AND GET TO DIFFERENT START LINE EVERY DAY - SO PLEASE DO NOT FORGET THAT IT IS ALL ONLY WORTH IT IF I REACH MY GOAL RE RAISING THE MONEY ..

PLEAE SPONSOR ME ONLINE FOR HELEN SAND DOUGLAS HOUSE OR TY HAFAN.. EVERY PENNY COUNTS DO MUCH..

KNEE IS STILL GIVING PAIN, BUT I am fit otherwise, and shall see this challenge through - including extra 27th marathon in Tenby 1 May!!!!

Special thanks to everybody... Eve, James Pete. Michael Lucy......my wonderful family - and adopted lovely clan. Tracey, Steve, Sarah. Guy, Robv, Ruby, Geoff, And EVERYBODY BACK IN PEMBROKESHIRE - AND ALL THE RUNNERS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED ME EVERYWHERE.AND THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED IN SO MANY, MANY WAYS.M MUST GET GOING NOW. LOVE, Rosiexx

Here is Scott, manager of MOTI Running shop, Reading.. Scott is being really fantastic..helping me thro my my knee injury.. ALso, Jo arrived am and gave me a great sports massage... Strapped knee and bit painful, but taking care. .... NOTHING IS GOING TO STOP ME NOW!!! Thank you all for the fabulous, exceptional support. Rxxxx

2010-04-26T17:03:00.000Z

Jennifer, Thomas and Lauren... Lovely people in Bracknell -rxxxx

2010-04-26T15:02:00.000Z

Wonderful supporters in beautiful Bracknell!!rxx

2010-04-26T10:10:00.000Z

For the sake of kind help and treatment for my knee - THE BATTLE WILL BE WON!!! (Treatment by Jo Bottiglieri! www.funkfit.co.uk

Wonderful support.

Jo Bottiglieri Personal Trainer and Sports Therapist recommended by Shaun of the wonderful Moti Running Shops..  Knee hanging in ok - only 6 marathons to go!!  PLEASE PLEASE keep on sponsoring me - I am worried in case I don't make enough for Helen and Douglas House and Ty Hafen.  Kind Supporter Tessa Fullwood took this photo near start of Braknell Marathon.  Love, Rosie

2010-04-25T09:45:00.000Z

 Sue. - strapping my knee..but only 6  marathons to go!!! Rxxxx

Sue and Brian - LUTON MARATHON 21!! V sore knee, otherwise fine.rxx

2010-04-24T20:02:00.002Z

Guy and Sarah Coxell - magnificent support!!!!!!xxx

2010-04-24T11:03:00.003Z

Hi everyone, Rosie is on her 20th marathon today, there's been a slight change of plan. Rosie is running the Brentwood marathon course again today, rather than travelling up to Milton Keens as she is very tired. she is about 10 miles into the course so far today. It has some very kind help on the way.

Also a huge thank you to Guy and Sarah Coxell, who have been kind enough to take Rosie to her next marathon tomorrow in Luton. they both transported Rosie after the Brighton marathon to Wokingham. This is wonderful for Rosie, as it gives her a chance to rest and organise the basic necessities.

Regards James

2010-04-23T17:44:00.000Z

Christina and Kristian from Brentwoof - heading for the London Marathon this Sunday i+ GOOD LUCK TO THEM AND TO A ll the runners. Rxxx

2010-04-23T10:48:00.000Z

Great day with Bungay Black Dog Running Club... Brilliant..see pics! But finished late..and only awoke 7am.

Drive to start of Brentwood Marathon no 19 v slow..but staying safe and being careful cumulative tiredness due to lack of sleep and irregular meals only to be expected at this late stage - but the actual running is getting stronger...and niggles/injuries going away, as legs just get used to running 26.2 miles every day ...

Plan to ran 26.2 in Brentwood Kindness from MacDonalds staff Sally and Charlotte en route..managed to charge phone up a bit to send this off.. Rosiex

2010-04-22T19:02:00.000Z

 Bung) Black Dog training night!! 3xx

Richard Lees - and Jack Russell Jill!! Rxxx

Ali Morton and Ziggy _ doing fantastic effort fund raising fore hospices ewn routes as we go along.rxxx

2010-04-22T11:54:00.000Z

Marathon 18!! - escorted by Robin Farrar (running am)and Sue Potter Ali Morton on bikes from Bungay Black Dog Running Club who organise the only marathon in Suffolk.

Black Dog comes from 13th legend when there was terrible storm and. Maddened Fierce huge Black Dog came into the church - and wrung people's neck - apparently you still see his claw marks on the church today!!!! _ Luckily the dogs in Bungay are much friendlier these days!!! Rxxxxxx

Here is Ziggy The lurcher - a keen member of the Bungay Black Dog Running Club.rxx.

Hello all,  On behalf of Halstead Road Runners I would like to say what a pleasure it was for HRR to have Rosie run the course. Please find attached a picture from the finish line taken 2115 hours.     Good luck for the next 10 Rosie!

Thanks and regards      Matthew Ranson

Mended! Rxx

 Mike Garnham  @Pebmarsh village - mending Icebird's harness. Rxx

2010-04-21T13:19:00.001Z

 Keith and Andy circa mile9.  Halstead Marathon. Rxxx

Hello all, I am Matthew Ranson from Halstead Road Runners and I am the Press and Publicity Officer for the Club. I popped out to see Rosie today. Photographs attached. Pictured -
Pink top - Rosie Swale-Pope
Blue top - Keith Thorogood HRR Chairman
Yellow vest - Andy Wilmot HRR Marathon specialist (Andy will complete 500 marathons this year!)

Best of luck to all! Thanks and regards Matthew Ranson.

2010-04-21T10:34:00.000Z

Duty Manager of Halstead Leisure Centre Sir John! ..Jill. Paul and little Molly!!!!  Rx

.. To Halstead at last - vvv patient Halstead Road Runners - chairman Keith Thorogood and Andy Wilmot were waiting _ but not get there faster as sleepy at wheel.  Andy has run 491 marathons over 22 years and they both arte absolutely amazing people...   It will a great day.. Rxxx

Driving Icebird to HALSTEAD START FOR TODAY...rxxx

I knew before I started that although I am only running 26 (now 27!!) Marathons, in 26 days - that this is an ordinary challenge that is a giant adventure to me.. A John Bunyan like journey full of hardship, joys and amazing people.. V tough to get enough time to sleep....

Right now driving Icebird to Halstead for marathon 17 in 17 days all well. And runners in Halstead waiting for me..but I keep nearly going to sleep at the wheel. So have take little 5 min breaks in laybys. But if it was all so easy - then it wouldn't be worth all the kind sponsorship of my run for the children’s/family hospices...

Your amazing support on the web, blog and facebook all around the world touches me so much, it is overwhelming. And during the Brighton Marathon people cheered Icebird until they were hoarse. I was full to the brim emotionally and ran for them all in this great Brighton Marathon...and could not stop the tears in my eyes.. I felt that the overall support in the Brighton Marathon was so great not all the runners - and that you wd think of this as the marathon that every runner felt as if they had won, as they were made so much of..

Watford Half Marathon yesterday which I ran twice to make at 26.2 miles was such a beautiful course and a quiet day by comparison, with Race Director Richard Parles guiding me and full of fascinating info re local history..and about Watford's ancient forests that still stand today.. Must get to HALSTEAD now,,,,,love, Rosiexx
Sent using BlackBerry® from Orange

2010-04-20T20:09:00.000Z

Hi everyone, Ernie Fortnum created this wonderful YouTube tribute to Rosie, please take a look it really made me smile. regards James.

2010-04-20T19:58:00.000Z

Beautiful Watford.... Runners have eyes in the soles of their feet!! - go places..see things that are sometimes v elusive if one is travelling fast..rxx

Chris and John at mile 19 Watford.. Rxx

I am on mile 17...met Andy Cracknell - MARATHON pb 2,45!! - going 2.30 opn Sunday in London Marathon - vvvvvvv best of luck to Andy and to EVERYBODY taking part in London Marathon this year7..

As you all know I ran London Marathon route a few days ago - brilliant course..- maybe Icebird aand left our footprints!! Rxxxxxxxxx

Paul Herbert 800 metre UK champion, who runs a company Body Transformations Email;  paul@bodytransformations.co.uk - gave me a wonderful deep tissue massage which has helped my minor injuries and sore legs so v much..v grateful. Rxxxx

Watford Mile 3 - meetig Phil Butler, Stand up Comedian - v generous sponsor!  Rxxz

2010-04-20T09:19:00.001Z

Hi james:  Rosie didnt have time to email, this is her message

Received 2 medals yesterday for the Wokingham half done twice, plus a medal at wonderful Brighton, shall remeber Brighton as the marathon that all the runner won - such great support brought a tear to the eye

Running today with organiser Richard and Pam parles

Thanks to Guy and Sarah Coxell for collecting me from Brighton and their hospitality letting me stay in their driveway, plus thanks to those that drove me from Southend to Maidstone for laddingford Engineering to fix Icebird again

Thanks to Moti running shop in reading and saucony for some mew shoes

Thanks to Helen House Hospice for supporting me

Have a sore leg (unpronouncable name!) and my toes is padded up, and I am having difficulty sleeping,    cheers james
rob

Watford supporters at work!!!! Rxxx

 Richard Parles,  Race Director of t Watford Half Marathon - which I shall be running twice today! Rxx

2010-04-19T18:39:00.000Z

 Warm welcome frm  Helen and Douglas House Hospice Shop in Wokingham.. Rxx

My gallant guides - Kevin Jones and Peter Evans.... 11 miles - WOKINGHAM MARATHON!!! - 19 April!!  Rxxx

Reading Road Runners Kevin Jones, Glen Ennis, Ann Wylie, and Wokingham Half Marathon Director Peter Evans - my lovely guides for today...  Tired, have got small foot problems but -15th Marathon today!!!! Love, Rosie

2010-04-19T18:31:00.000Z

SOS! +Best running shoes in the world!!! - but pulling cart vtough on shoes - they are just 5 narathons old!!!LOVE rosiexx

2010-04-19T14:53:00.001Z

I would like to thank, Guy and Sarah, who were kind enough to come all the way down from Berkshire to Brighton, to ferry Rosie to her next marathon in Wokingham, giving Rosie a chance to catch up on sleep on a journey. it was very nice to meet you both. Thank you so much for going to so much trouble. Regards James.

2010-04-19T14:41:00.000Z

Fran - ur vvfriendly Brighton Marathon official at info point - I made it here against all odds - thanks to sleeping by roadsaide after Laddingford Eng mended Icebird and Keith, Ann and Paul got me frm Southend to Laddingford and I drove to Brighton. Three cheers for everybody -  vvv many thanks to brilliant son James got up at 6.30 to navigate me in abd to support me through t day..
Love, Rosie

2010-04-19T13:31:00.000Z

Here are some photos kindly sent in by Ernie of Rosie running the Brighton marathon.

2010-04-18T22:56:00.000Z

Hi everyone, had a great day with Rosie at the Brighton marathon. Here is a picture of me with a newly repaired Icebird, just before the start of the Brighton marathon. Should have more pictures to follow soon. All the best James.

2010-04-17T21:25:00.002Z

Hi everyone, just had a call from Rosie, she sent a photo of Icebird, being fixed,

Laddingford Engineering  are doing a great job, and have been kind enough to stay open specially and work late into the night to fix Iceberg.  Thank you very much for that. http://www.laddeng.co.uk/

Rosie is very tired and might catch some zzz on the way down to Brighton. Watch this space regards James.

2010-04-17T20:42:00.000Z

Today Rosie has been running, the course of the London Marathon, one week before the marathon is held. it's been quite slow going because Icebird has been developing a few problems. And Rosie is taking it to Maidstone after her marathon to a specialist to get it fixed. Then she is coming down late to visit me for the Brighton marathon which starts tomorrow. She wanted me to thank everyone for their kind support she has received all the way. Regards James

2010-04-17T20:37:00.001Z

Here are some photos that David Kitcher was kind enough to send me, of Rosie's marathon in Dartford on the 14th . Rosie is accompanied by the Dartford Harriers their website is http://www.dartfordharriersac.co.uk . Many thanks to all involved. James

2010-04-17T09:49:00.002Z

Dear Jim, First pic - supporters! Southend

2010-04-16T21:32:00.000Z

Rosie running the London Marathon, meeting up with friends and family Pete Stanway Rosie's son-in-law, a grandson Michael good friend Catherine Addison and Geoff Hall. Geoff has helped hugely with the planning of Rosie's 26 marathons and has given an enormous amount of support to Rosie helping transport Iceberg after the marathons. many thanks James.

2010-04-16T17:17:00.000Z

Tower Bridge.....!! Rxxxx

2010-04-16T14:37:00.002Z

London!!! - 6  miles done... Rxxx

2010-04-16T13:15:00.001Z

Lovely children in Woolwich!! On the road again after fantastic welcome back to This Morning Show today.  Thank you Eamonn and Kate...  Thank you wonderful people who are sponsoring me for the children's hospice. Rxxx

Geoff at 7am.rxx he will be running w me this morminga.rxx

 First pic.  Blackheath. 7am. Rx

2010-04-15T12:43:00.000Z

Early this morning I had the pleasure of dropping my Mum off for her 11th Marathon in eleven days!! Rosie arrived late last night following a wonderful run in Dartford where she was superbly supported by local runners. Before she arrived she had received a splendid and much needed massage. Rosie told me that having a good leg massage at the end of each run really makes a difference to her performance the next day so she sent out a big thank you to all those people on the route that have helped her with this during the past 10 days!

After leaving Rosie I returned home to walk our dog and wake the children! I told Michael and Lucy to get dressed as we were off to find their grandmother to deliver her some strawberries for breakfast!! We found Mum just passing a perfectly placed turning on Broadmead Road in Woodford and stopped for a brief photo opportunity. She looks so well and is bursting with energy. I found it just impossible to think that she has run a marathon each day for the past 10 days! She told me last night she is third of the way through.

We are back home now cooking her some baked salmon and boiled potatoes for lunch and then we will be off to find her again. It is such an adventure and I can only wonder what sort of travelling seeds are being placed in the minds of my children as they follow Rosie's progress and learn how much is possible to the determined person.

Thanks for all the help so far and to all those in futures days as the support baton passes on to those wonderful people, both strangers and friends, who will assist her on her way and contribute to the two charities she is dedicating this run to - Ty Havan Hospice and Helen & Douglas House Hospice.

Best wishes

Eve Stanway

2010-04-15T12:39:00.000Z

2010-04-15T12:38:00.001Z

First 'feed station' - Royal Star Cafe, Snakes End Lane..breakfast ...then run..run...run. Eating is the way to goi..I use 8000 calories a day pulling Icebird.. Lovely staff at cafe - Anita, Ozi and Dennis!!!! Rosie

2010-04-15T10:56:00.001Z

Thank you to wonderful Dartford Harriers and Dartford Road Runners for exceptional support and kindness yesterday during marathon 10!!!! They even had beautiful trophy for me to mark entering into double figures.. Slight probs with painful legs - so crowning blessing from Dartford was Sports and Remedial Massage from Phil Watson LSSM (dip)MSMA MISRM. TEL O7769 931462 - he is fabulous.. and gave me new legs!!!

Again thank you to heroic Geoff Hall for collecting me at the end of the day, and driving me to my daughter Eve's home... Parked an slept in ICEBIRD as it is part of my challenge - but Eve fed delicious food ..and has been up at 6am to look after me today, make sweet tea and get me to the Roding Valley start - she is the loveliest and vvvvv best daughter in wide world.. I am so lucky to have Eve and brilliant James as my daughter and son,

Must get going......! Love, Rosie

2010-04-15T10:36:00.000Z

This is my fantastic daughter Eve - seeing me off at the START!!!!  Eve will find me later, bringing grandchildren Michael and Lucy..  Love,Rosie

Dartford

2010-04-14T14:32:00.000Z

Dartford Blue Watch... Icebird proud to meet them.  Love, Rosie

2010-04-14T08:21:00.000Z

Dear Jim,  First pic o the day.. Kind Dartford Runner, Dave Kitcher arrived at Icebird..7am - to check on me and has taken my hotwater bottle (secret weapon for sleeping In Icebird.. Refilled, it will warm and air the sleeping bag while I run, and so be ready for tonight.

No wonder I am cosy..my sleeping bag..Peter Hutchinson Designs, is the same one that looked after me in Siberia during the world run!!!
Love, Rosiexx

2010-04-14T08:18:00.001Z

Dear David, Roger, Arnold and Ben, Icebird and I made it thro yesterday, and are fit and well though finished last 13 miles of Maidstone v late.. Yet it was vv special.. Friendly people in Hollingbourne....

Pilgrim's Way felt as if it was 500 years back in time again among the spirits of the footsore but peaceful pilgrims who once walked thishistoric route. After dark, seems mysterious, and fun to hear the owls and the half asleep horses in the fields..

Thanks to magnificent Geoff Hall in Maidstone at 11pm to drive my car with Icebird for me to Dartford, and kind local people -- I am here today in time for marathon no 10!!!!! Will get books to you soonest. Vvvv grateful to you..be lovely to see you en route Geoff Hall 07713311711 has detailed itinerary. Love, Rosie and Icebirdxxxxxx

PS Copying in my son James to put the above on websitefor website and also Rob Thomas re facebook group re thils email, as gives today's news - and no more time to write..have to get ready to run THREE CHEERS FOR LADDINGFORD ENGINEERING repairs that saved Brave Icebird's working life. Rxxx

2010-04-13T11:58:00.003Z

left foot after treatment prescrib ed by Patience a veterinary in Hastings yest  - is much better - andholding out well, rxxxx

Emergency this morning... Woke up to find that Icebird's welding had broken - result of hard run yesterday and cumulative stress of first 8 marathons.. Brave Icebird was critically damaged during 100mph storms along Arctic coast in Iceland 2008, and has never quite recovered as shafts bent so often and basic stucture weakened..

Today 7am faced with my 9th marathon in Maidstone and Icebird crippled, BUT the Kent Police, Maidstone Control - WERE GREAT AND AS I speak Laddingstone Engineering are out here rewelding Icebird free of charge. More about LADDINGSTONE later..they are absolutely fabulous.

So resting thenn will run marathon when she's fixed. Will run into the night if necessary... Ie Maybe have to start v late and go on v late.. So not much sleep likely before next marathon tomorrow - but that doesn't matter all will be well..

THANK YOU MAIDSTONE...AND THANK YOU HASTINGS FOR BRILLIANT AUPPORT YESTERDAY's FULL REPORT RE HASTINGS WHEN THIS EMERGENCY IS OVER..THANK YOU TO MARY SANDERSON FOR GREAT MASSAGE AND TO ALL THE RUNNERS AND SUPPORTED IN HASTINGS AND EVERYWHERRE...PLEASE KEEP SUPPORTING me and thank you for all the generous sponsorship for the hospices.. Love. Rosiexxxxxx

2010-04-13T11:34:00.000Z

Rosie in Portsmouth.

Fantastic support in Portsmouth yesterday

2010-04-12T14:35:00.001Z

Fantastic support in Portsmouth yesterday... Sore feet..but the route was so beautiful..seafront harbor, as well as historic landmarks. Thank you to Tony Conway and all the Portsmouth joggers..Especially to Tony's wife for the most amazing feedstations.. And collie dog Finn. Thank you to wonderful Dot, intrepid Gillingham Trotter who ran with me again, Roz...and EVERYBODY on Facebook, and following web and Blog..This is becoming a People"s Run...and I am so. Proud..

Writing this at 3am, curled up in Icebird in Hastings. Marathon 8 starts at 7am Looking forward to getting closer to London and seeing my wonderful grandson Michael..and grand daughter Lucy and family Congrats to Michael on his Dance Show....

Also thinking back to Wales Marathon seems a long time ago npw!!!! Love to all in Tenby. Dawn will come soon...have to pack up... First blackbird is already singing!!! All is well..but it is hard to get enough sleep!!! But all is worth it.. Thank yoiu for fabulous and exceptional sponsorship and tender loving care frm all of you..
Love, Rosiex

Some happy pics from Portsmouth.. Icebird even decided to visit Super Drug.. Where we were lent a couple of shopping baskets as collecting boxes for I had left our ones in my car..
Saponaqua foot balm continues to be gr8 for feet..but it is a struggle to keep feet going as they are going all day every day. Saucony shoes are brilliant..already on SECOND pair this run as pulling the cart chews them, as pressure on feet so much..but all is going very well. Rosiexxx

Hi, there was a typo in Rosie's e-mail address, it's now corrected.

2010-04-11T19:36:00.000Z

Rosie's Blackberry e-mail address is rosiesp@blackberry.orange.co.uk Many thanks James.

2010-04-11T15:58:00.000Z

Low tide at 5am, as I wake up camped in Icebird in Portsmouth...Today is marathon no 7 - I can hardly get over the fabulous support I am getting from everybody.. It is brilliant to know that I now have over 300 Facebook friends..And countless following the website and blog...

Thanks to my son James and website and Rob Thomas for organising Facebook group... All the amazing support ...helps so much.. All is going really well.. It is hectic...running..eating sleeping .. V little time..

Three Cheers for Gillingham Trotter Dot, who ran some of the way on Friday when I did the spectacularly beautiful Sturminster Newton Marathon - then came to Bournemouth yest and ran the 26.2 miles.

Thanks to Barney and Sue -- on their bicycled who helped collect a lot of money... From kind holidaymakers in Bournemouth.. I am so happy that the fundraising I'd going very well for the hospices. Must get ready for today. Rosiex

Bournemouth, marathon number six.

2010-04-11T15:51:00.000Z

2010-04-11T15:38:00.000Z

Hi everyone, I'm a little behind the updates, just catching out now with photos. It's very tough, but so far so good, everything seems to be okay and Rosie is in great spirits. JamesStarting Bath marathon.

Starting Bristol marathon.

apologies, typo in Rosie's e-mail address, now corrected.

2010-04-09T11:13:00.003Z

Thank you everybody for FANTASTIC support. Tenby..Cardiff..Bristol and Bath are DONE!!!! Early days, 23 marathons still to go, but vvv touched and excited by support and sponsorship for the charities coming in, you are all wonderful..

In Cardiff, Bristol and Bath.. Ran 27 miles.. Just a little extra in celebration of you all. Also, I have decided to sleep in Icebird every night 100 per cent as part of the challenge to get more sponsorship for the hospices and also because I love sleeping in my faithful Icebird..

I am grateful for wonderful hospitality re baths. meals, but have retired to Icebird, drinking coffee brewed on my little stove, and listening to the blackbirds sing just before dawn today as I write this.. Eating plenty..getting ready to run Sturminster Marathon today...please, please keep on supporting me!!!

SOS - TOMORROW IS Bournemouth marathon, V much need runners to run with me there as have no one. please phone or leave voicemail 07815943786 or email. rosiesp@blackberry.orange.co.uk.

rosiesp@blackberry.orange.co.uk (corrected Blackberry e-maill address.)

Love, Rosie

2010-04-09T11:11:00.001Z

2010-04-08T18:35:00.000Z

To follow Rosie on Facebook click here. Regards James

2010-04-08T18:31:00.000Z

2010-04-07T15:40:00.000Z

1. WALES MARATHON. 5 April.GREAT SUPPORT.. BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL ROUTE..ALL THE CHILDREN TAKING PART AND JOINING ME MADE MY DAY.. SO DID WELCOME BACK

Running time. 7.00 hours even though hilly..
SO DECIDED T DO 27 marathons instead o 26!! Also because of team help in thanks..

2. CARDIFF MARATHON.. Great day wonderful support from MOTI ... Made my day that Debbie Ford who had intended just to run with me for a couple of miles stayed all time and DID HER FIRST EVER MARATHON. M exceptional helpful guides.mthanl you to Darren. And to Leon physio and e bvody..
Running time 5.56.. And we ran 27.23 miles... INTO THE BEYOND!!!!!

YOU ARE ALL AMAZING THANK U FOR OVERWHEMING SUPPORT THRO BLOGGWEB AND FACEBOOK. LOVE, ROSIE psBRISTOL TODAY...PLEASE KEEPPON FOLLOWING ME. Rosie.

Day two successfully completed

2010-04-06T23:56:00.000Z

Rosie with Leon, the MOTI physio after the Cardiff Marathon

Hi everyone, Rosie has started her 26 marathons in Tenby

2010-04-05T16:20:00.001Z

Hi everyone, Rosie has started her 26 marathons in Tenby.

Please follow this link for pictures and information as soon as I get it, here at

http://www.rosies26marathonsin26days.co.uk/Marathonsdaybyday.html

If anyone has any pictures or news please send them my way, and I will put them on the website. james_swale@rosiearoundtheworld.co.uk

Many thanks James.

Just uploaded three new pics 22:06 many thanks Rob.

2010-04-05T03:48:00.003Z

Dear Fans! TODAY'S THE BIG DAY.... The circumstances in the friendly if steep Wales Marathon could hardly be more different from life in the wilderness... bt I'm thinking that the rules are the same

ONE STEP AT A TIME...

I AM NOT THINKING ABOUT THE 26 MARATHONS

JUST THE O N E MARATHON - the run today!!!!!!

It will exciting to run with so many great people, who are each going to run a mile with me for Ty Hafan.. Thank you again. mORE LATER!!

2010-04-04T21:27:00.003Z

Dear Everybody, Re last post - pic on top shows Icebird along tomorrow's route - last Jan during early training.. v snowy and fairylike.. be better tomorrow.. School pics are from run in Ireland..just to show that Icebird is magic.. it is a Pied Pper on wheels... I love doing the talks in schools.. .. sorry one of the pics is fuzzy..but have to sort this tomorrow... must sleep. Also in blog or n website tomorow -tomorrowm there the START F THE 26 IN 26 PICS AND REPORT....

TOMORROW IS BIG, B IG DAY!!!!! I'll be thinking of you all. love, Rosie

2010-04-04T21:02:00.006Z

THANK YOU KATIE AND LARA AND THEIR PARENTS STAYING IN SALAD DAYS FOR HELPING BLOW UP THE TY HAFAN BALLOONS AND DONATING £40...THANK YOU ALSO VERY MCUH THE KIND PEOPLE OF TENBY WHO SPONSORED ME TODAY. FOR REST OF THE MAGNIFICENT £277.00 THAT iIHAVE JUST PAID INTO JUST GIVING.. iT IS FANTASTIC.. ALSO MY GRATITUDE TO MY NEIGHBOURS, TRACY AND STEVE OF TE WEYBOUNE GUEST HOUSE. EVEN THOUGH IT IS EASTER SUNDAY AND ONE OF THEIR BUSIEST DAYS, TRACEY TOOK THE TIME TO GO AROUND THE TOWN WITH ME AND iCEBIRD, AND WE FILLED THE TWO COLLECTING BOX!!aLL MY NEIGHBOURS HAVE BEEN WONDERFUL.

WELL, JUST A FEW HOURS LEFT NOW UNTIL MY MARATHONS. BEGIN.. i FEEL BOTH EXCITED AND ANXIOUS.... SUCH A LOT TO THINK ABOUT... THREE CHEERS FOR THE ORGANISERS OF THE WALES MARATHON.. I'M PROUD THAT I'LL BE RUNNING THIS AS MY FIRST OF THE26 IN 26. MUST ENDNOW AND FINISH PACKING UP ICEBIRD... WHICH IS SITTING OUTSIDE MY WINDOW AS I WRITE THIS11 LOVE, ROSIEXX

2010-04-03T19:21:00.000Z

Loving my icebird! Will be my home for the next month xx

2010-04-03T19:17:00.001Z

Youngest person to pull icebird!! Ruby xx

2010-04-03T19:11:00.002Z

With Tracy from Weybourne Guest House, Tenby who has been a great help to me xx

2 days to go - short message xx

2010-04-03T18:54:00.002Z

A short video message with 2 days to go.... Rosie xx

2 days to go!!!!

2010-04-03T18:47:00.003Z

Final preperations, eyelets put into my old cover as my new one disappeared on route! Tracy, Rob, Moira and little Ruby have been helping me today, have a book signing tommorow at 12noon at Tenby Bookshop. Please join my facebook page "Rosie 26" will find it, lots of updates on their too xxxx

2010-03-31T06:28:00.007Z

Dear Everybody, Woke up early...been looking through archives... seeing pic of frostbitten toe brings it all back...Also, in top pic with Icebird I am pulling Icebird after breaking ribs in Iceland....but if one is healthy, hard times can be overcome... Nothing compares with the courage needed by the children and young people at Ty Hafan and Helen and Douglas House Hospices and their families. Thank you for sponsoring me... please send anything you can, no amount is too small... Running 26 marathons is NOT AN ACHIEVEMENT AT AL, UNLESS I MANAGE TO HELP THE HOSPICES... EVERY PENNY COUNTS. LOVE, RosieXX

2010-03-30T06:48:00.003Z

Dear Everybody, As you can see from last post, Icebird and I have been such a long way already... I never dreamed we'd end up doing 26 marathons in 26 days in Great Britain. I am both excited and apprehensive - DETERMINED to suceed. In some ways this is so much easier... no wolves!! No -62C temperatures, but the fact I have to run26.2 miles exactly every single day is vvv challenging... Some things in life are worth everything you've got... and this is one of them.. Please follow this blog... please come and see me on the road. love, Rosiexx

2010-03-30T06:22:00.010Z

....Dear Followers.. This is the first picture of Icebird in ne cover. Photo was taken with Matthew and Sophie Evans of Activity Wales - wh havehad the wonderful idea of asking everybody who supports me to run a mile with me durng my marathons Thank you so much toall of you for already supporting me brilliantly. PLEASE run with me!! (see marathon schedule) I will be going very, very slowly pulling Icebird. I shall probablto do the marathons... am thinking of the first 10 marathons as training!! I think Eddie Izzard is a great job, and by going his own pace he managed to make so much for chariy and already succeeded his run... It is tempting to try to go faster, but I must get through all the 26 and Icebird is heavy to pull.

COUNTDOWN to the start of my 26 marthons - only 6 days to GO.!

2010-03-29T12:33:00.001Z

Welcome to all my Facebook friends... and run the 26 marathons with me!!!!! love, Rosie

2010-03-21T22:32:00.007Z

Dear Everybody, I loved running the Rhayader 20 mile race yesterday as part of my training for the 26marathons. Everybody was so friendly.. It was great to fun with other runners..and the scenery was gorgeous... Thank you to Angela and all the organisers.
Tomorrow will be amazing too. Charlotte Hussell has asked me to give a talk at her school in St Clears. It be fun, I am going to bring Icebird to the school..
I would like to say a very, very big thank you CLH Trailers in ST Clears have very generously donated one of their trailers. in order to take Icebird to the startline of each of my 26marathons. The logistics were tough.. and the trailer a godsend. As you all know I have to run the Tenby marathon on 5 April, then straight away be driven to Cardiff to run the Cardiff Marathon on 6th April... Bristol on 7th and so on.(See itinerary!!) need is someone to drive my car, as Iill be sleeping on enroute. I am grateful forall the kind volunteers I've already had for the driving, especially my son James and Geoff Hall, a big hero and wonderful ally, and likewise Alan Jones of Tenby Rotary Club, Matthew Evans of Pembrokeshire Coastal Cottages, and all those involved there, Shaun Lancaster and all the Team at the MOTI running shops in Cardiff, Bristol and Reading.. All this help with the driving, support, fundraising and logistics is absolutely invaluable... I need all the help I can get!!!
Some of the best encouragement has come through Eddie Izzard who inspired me to do my 26marathons when I met him and ran with him last September. I think Eddie is fantastic.
Anyway, I must stop now I hope to add photo of team at CLH Trailers, measuring Icebird to fit...You will see that little Charlotte had her own Icebird.They are a wonderful family. Best wishes, Rosie

PS Re comments. Your comments means a great deal to me...looking forward to hearing from you all.

2010-03-18T07:22:00.004Z

Dear Everybody, Just to say a big thank you to all the kind people who have sponsored me. You are so very, very much appreciated. I can hardly believe that it is now less than 3 weeks to the start of the 26 marathons. This my personal SOS to runners in the towns and cities through which I shall be running vv slowly pulling Icebird -please join me and help to guide me along the correct marathon routes... See itinerary!!! I'd love to meet you all. Please email me on; rosiesp@blackberry.orange.co.uk or contact my kind 26 marathon co ordinator Geoff Hall on geoff.hall@allianz.co.uk. You can also phone me on 0781 594 3786 to discuss!! Best regards, Rosie

2010-03-01T23:36:00.006Z

Dear Everybody, As you know, I am running to raise money for Ty Hafan and Helen House Hospices because they desperately need money. I think it is a tragedy that children need hospices. One day, in a better world it won't happen. It is so very important that they can continue their work.

Helen House was the first children's hospice in the world, and Ty Hafan the Family Hospice was the first in Wales At Ty Hafan all the children are expected to die before the age of 19, and some much, much younger, hospices help the whole family to make the most of the time they have together, and give end of life care, bereavement counselling, and support in many other ways; helping the families get through the unendurable.

There is no frontier - I hope that people in Wales will sponsor me for Ty Hafan, and those in England will do so for Helen and Douglas House. - but maybe people wil just send a little to both? It will all help so much. The reason that Ty Hafan and Helen House are on separate JustGiving pages that is the only way the charities can claim for Gift Tax which makes a great difference to each donation -.

- Please, please sponsor me even v small amounts add up - and both the hospices ABSOLUTELY depend on public sponsorship to keep goingwith their work. It is very hard, especially now; you can't let the children down.

So - I'm off training again in the morning. I feel quite daunted by the 26 marathons pulling Icebird, but am determined to succeed!! I hope you will all follow my progress on website and blog - or in person - as I run through your cities and towns in April - SEE ITINERARY!!

Hope to see you all on the road! Best wishes, Rosie

2010-03-01T16:54:00.000Z

26 MARATHONS IN 26 DAYS

2010-03-01T16:46:00.002Z

26 MARATHONS IN 26 DAYS

MARATHON ITINERARY 5 TO 30 APRIL

5/4/2010 Monday Tenby (new) F THE START!

6/4/2010 Tuesday Cardiff H

7/4/2010 Wednesday Bristol H

8/4/2010 Thursday Bath H

9/4/2010 Friday Sturminster Newton F

10/4/2010 Saturday Isle of Wight F

11/4/2010 Sunday Portsmouth H

12/4/2010 Monday Hastings H

13/4/2010 Tuesday Barns Green H

14/4/2010 Wednesday Tunbridge Wells H

15/4/2010 Thursday Roding Valley H

16/4/2010 Friday London F

17/4/2010 Saturday Southend H

18/4/2010 Sunday Brighton F

19/4/2010 Monday Wokingham H

20/4/2010 Tuesday Bury St Edmunds F

21/4/2010 Wednesday Halstead F

22/4/2010 Thursday Brentwood H

23/4/2010 Friday Milton Keynes H

24/4/2010 Saturday Luton F

25/4/2010 Sunday Bungay F

26/4/2010 Monday Bracknell H

27/4/2010 Tuesday Reading H

28/4/2010 Wednesday Windsor H

29/4/2010 Thursday Stratford F

30/4/2010 Friday Llanelli F THE FINISH!

2010-02-28T22:34:00.000Z

2010-02-28T22:29:00.000Z

2010-02-28T22:21:00.001Z

The first day of the blog...

Hello Everybody, This is the beginning of my new blog... Experimenting right now! I hope so much that you all follow my 26 marathons in 26 days. Less than two months to go until the start on 5th April... It is going to be very exciting and v hard, and your support will make all the difference. Rosie Best wishes, Rosie

2010-02-28T21:06:00.000Z

2010-02-28T21:05:00.002Z

31st of January2010. Hi everyone, he is a great write-up in the Tenby Observer by Ceris Hewlings, talking to Rosie about her upcoming challenge to run 26 marathons in 26 days. To raise money for Ty Hafan, family hospice in Cardiff, and Helen House hospice in Oxford. These are great charities that Rosie feels very passionately about. Here is the full article, I have edited the formatting slightly. All the best James.

Rosie prepares to step out on new marathon challenge.

Friday, 29 January 2010 (Tenby Observer) by Ceris Hewlings link28

29 30

Rosie Swale Pope is undertaking 26 marathons in 26 days for charity. She is also launching the new Wales Marathon in Tenby organised by Matthew Evans (seen left) and Scott Powell, of Activity Wales. Pic. Gareth Davies Photography.

Twenty-six marathons in 26 days! To most people that’s unthinkable.
But not for Tenby’s round-the-world adventurer Rosie Swale Pope MBE, who will be stepping out on the challenge in April in aid of children’s hospices. And her first marathon on her epic 681.2-mile journey will be in her very own home town as she launches Tenby’s new Wales Marathon.

Rosie is teaming up with Matthew Evans, chief executive of Activity Wales, and company director Scott Powell to promote the exciting three-day gruelling event which is being hosted by Tenby in September.
Rosie, 63, will run the 26.2-mile course on Easter Monday, April 5, pulling her famous cart Icebird, which accompanied her for a large part of her 21,000-mile global trek.

The Wales Marathon will be Pembrokeshire’s first ever measured marathon and will be held on Sunday, September 26, as part of the Long Course Weekend. The whole event will include the 1,500 and 3,000-metre Wales Swim on Friday, September 24, 40, 80 or 120-mile Wales Sportif bike rides on the Saturday, followed by the full marathon and a half marathon which will start and finish in Tenby on the Sunday.

The event is being organised by Matthew, Scott and Activity Wales. Both are well-known athletes, with Matthew having completed 10 marathons in 10 days and the Ironman Austria last year, while Scott already owns and runs many national award-winning events.

Although the event is still in its planning stages, with the marathon course - which will see runners complete loops heading out from Tenby towards Manorbier and back along The Ridgeway to Penally and Tenby - officially being measured in March, they are hoping to get as much community support as possible.

“It is unique,” said Scott. “There is no race like it that sees these sports come together over one weekend.
“We aim to get all the communities around Tenby involved and make the event a real carnival atmosphere, with a prize up for grabs for the best community support.” Participants will be able to raise funds for their own charities, but there will be an overall charity that the event will support. “To have Rosie running the route is quite a treat,” added Matthew. “Tenby is hosting this event, which is fantastic for both the town and Pembrokeshire.”

Participants can enter as many of the races as they want, with finishers receiving medals which will, if all three are completed, form a jigsaw to create the unique Long Course Weekend medal. Rosie’s other 25 marathons will all be in Wales and England.

Her friend and supporter, Geoff Hall, is currently working out her schedule, but other runs are likely to include Bristol, Bath, Hereford and Gloucester. “It is just a little challenge, but is very important to me,” she said. “It will be very hard, but I have been partly inspired by Matthew, who did 10 marathons in 10 days, which is unbelievably gruelling, and Eddie Izzard, who did a huge amount of marathons, one of which I ran with him,” she continued. “I know I will be very slow and it will be harder because I am pulling Icebird. I am not superwoman; I am just an ordinary runner, but it is wonderful to be doing my first marathon here in Tenby and I will just go on from there.”

The marathons, Rosie says, are her personal thank you to all the people who have always been there for her through thick and thin, and will also be in aid of two very special hospices. Rosie continued: “There are many causes that are forever part of my life.

I felt the need to do something for the children of Britain during these marathons, and intend to raise funds and awareness for Ty Hafan, the family hospice in Cardiff, and Helen House in Oxford, the world’s first children’s hospice, and Douglas House, also in Oxford, the first for young people. They are remarkable, and I am so proud to run for them. “I was very moved when I visited Ty Hafan recently and hope that I can raise £3,000 for each, so every penny counts.” Rosie is now busy training, for which she has received advice from her friend Ann Rowell and Runners World.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Tŷ Hafan hospices, the charity Rosie is running the 26 marathons in aid of can do so by can do so by clicking this link31 or this logo

Sponsor forms can also be found at Coastal Cottages’ Tenby office, Kate Blair Hairdressers, Webb Computers and Weybourne Guest House.

“I am so grateful to everyone who has agreed to have sponsor forms and the those who have sponsored me already,” said Rosie. Details about the Long Course Weekend can be found at www.longcourseweekend.com32 and www.thewalesmarathon.com33. Entries open on February 7.

34 35 36

22nd of January 2010. Hi everyone, it has been a very exciting time for Rosie, she has been very busy giving talks about her round the world run. as well as planning her next challenge. Rosie is planning to run 26 marathons in 26 days starting on the 5th of April 2010 to raise money for various charities. More details to follow about this soon.