Bob Hayward & Nick Baldock have now run 10.5 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.

Today started hoping that they would beat the predicted rain, unfortunately the rain beat them. The temperature was several degrees lower than the last few days, while it remained close and clammy. Normally the traffic flicks up a few stones and drowns out their banter and the punch line of the odd joke (which makes them laugh all the more) today the wheels threw water by the bucket loads. The water seeps into socks and shoes making their legs even heavier, thank you Mr. weatherman!

Returning to the motor home in the wet is also more challenging — do they sit down in wet clothes? Or do they change into dry knowing they are going to get soaked again in five minutes? It is also made more challenging by the distraught look on Ian’s face as they destroy his clean floor — it is amazing how quickly a modern man’s man can become domesticated. House proud, he views their intrusions into the organised pattern of “meals, clearing up, cleaning up and catching them up to start all again” frustrating and frankly unacceptable (only joking Ian) — Ian serves them exceptionally well making the task of running much easier and more worry free.

They finished the day just north of Worcester and called on the services of Julie Nichols from Natural Therapy in Swindon to repair their aching limbs. Bob’s right quad and Nick’s left knee are both causing problems. They all met at Northwick Hotel in Evesham who, thanks to manager Shirley Start, kindly donated them a room to shower, change and have their therapy in. They back tracked to Evesham to make the journey easier for Julie.

Therapy over they returned to the motor home to discover Jenny Lidsey had presented them with a fruit cake made by Jenny and her friends. This is an auspicious event as today is the first day of a Test Match between England & Australia and such gifts are generally sent into the commentary team on radio 4. Jenny has been a great help to Bob and Nick over the last few days and returned today with donations for Podge and some culinary delights.

Radio Kent conducted a live interview with them today, whilst actually on the massage table, to keep the people of Gillingham and Kent informed of their progress. Tonight they partake of the hospitality from Little Chef at Hartlebury near Worcester — good people — good food — good service — good heavens and good night!