Bob Hayward & Nick Baldock have now run 9.5 consecutive marathons out of the 34 it will take to get to John O’Groats. This is all in aid of Podge the 13 year old boy who was so badly burnt in an attack last May.

Leaving the Little Chef at Hardwicke they ran between the Cotswolds hills on the right and the Forest of Dean on the left, their hills much larger and even more bleak in contrast to the green hills of the Cotswolds.

While they both had more energy today, an injury to Bob’s right upper thigh or “quad” stopped them at the 13 mile mark. They had run quite well and made it to the glorious city of Gloucester, steeped in marine and regimental history. Radio Gloucester kindly conducted a live interview while they collected 1’s from the early morning commuter traffic. Those listening to the radio responded admirably to the approaching Bob and his bucket, then with a No. haircut and painful grimace on his face no intelligent person would refuse! Nick’s interview went out live as he stood in the shadow of the cathedral, while Ian walked up and down the street selling special “give the lad a chance!” t-shirts for 10. Once breakfast was over they warmed up by walking through the cathedral gardens and enjoyed the brief respite from the pressures of the run. Three miles out the pain in Bob’s right quad stopped proceedings for the day.

If the pain in Bob’s quad was the low point of the day then their meeting with the Marketing Director of Wolverhampton Wanderers (Rachel Heyho Flint) was the high point. Rachel remains the only England Cricket Captain (male or female) to never be defeated in an international. Rachel was touched by the story of what happened to Podge and so organised the signing of a Wolves top by this years current first team squad. Bob and Nick hope to auction this on a local radio or newspaper and raise a healthy sum for the “give the lad a chance” appeal.

A close second was the visit of a number of supporters this evening. Eileen, Leslie, husband Nick, Nicholas, Georgina and their children Katie & Kit (also a good runner). It was good to see some of the people they love, great to bathe in their praise and wonderful to be able to thank them for all they are doing in person.

Tonight they slept in a real bed. They love their motor home, don’t get them wrong, but the chance of par–taking of power shower, swimming pool and sauna is too great an opportunity to miss. Ettington Chase in the Cotswold village of Ettington kindly donated a room for them all — Thank you Amanda & all at Ettington.