Bob Hayward & Nick Baldock have now run 3 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.

The massage last night from Barbara Willmott rejuvenated them for another day on the road but do you want to know how bad it can get?

6.17 — Sweat is running like a shower off your torso, your nose is dripping like a broken tap, your knees and ankles feel as hot as a boiling kettle and as tight as a pair of 32 inch waist trousers round a 40 inch waist, the ditch at the side of the road reeks of rotting flesh from the wildlife bulldozed off the road by speeding traffic which is almost blowing you off your feet as well. The tarmac on your side of the white line that divides you from the traffic is four inches wide with a sharp drop into the ditch, where you will either land on the rotting flesh or the stinging nettles...and people run for fun?

Bob and Nick left an old friend behind today — the Atlantic, until this morning a constant friend off in the distance to their right, and now no longer in view. The scenery too is beginning to change from the lush rolling hills of Cornwall, with the remnants of it's mining past, more to moorland terrain. This morning the mist was hugging the dips and valleys in the roughly pitted land, looking into the distance they see more of the same.

Today they came across a generous Australian on holiday who had heard of their endeavours from the local radio. Two interviews today — Radio Devon & Classic Gold Exeter in preparation for the match at Exeter tonight with Crystal Palace where they are the half–time entertainment. Thanks Rob, the pictures will beat you home!

Bob and Nick came across three things that amazed them today. 1. Sheep being herded by a combination of modern & old technology — a Land Rover, a Quad bike and a sheep dog — they watched in silence at the graceful co-ordination of man, machines & dog — the sheep were definitely most responsive to the sheep dog! 2. Dying of thirst, out of water and miles from Brian who was in search of a laundrette, they reached the top of a hill only to find a lay–by with tables, chairs and the refreshment van dispensing cold drinks and hot snack — the place named "Temple Fishery" — God's provision again — thank You! 3. A car driving down the wrong side of a section of dual carriageway on the A30, in the outside lane of course with oncoming traffic doing incredible manouveres to avoid this small grey car. Where they had come from they don’t know but when the car approached a lay–by area the car coolly performed a three point turn! To top it all when they drove past, the middle aged couple waved at them!!!

The end of the running part of the day was sheer agony as the final 3.5 miles were a long slow drag up a seriously large hill. Part way up both sets of legs gave up and were only coaxed the final mile by the prospect of Barbara’s magical fingers.

The big highlight of the day without question was the run round Exeter City Soccer ground at half time during their match with Crystal Palace. Simon, Bob’s son now works at the club in a combined marketing and youth coaching role having secured his degree at Exeter University and made a big impression as University Football Captain. Despite feeling incredibly tired, once the reason for their visit to the ground was announced the adrenaline rushed into their systems and they sprang round the ground like Tigga from Winnie the Pooh.

Exeter City may have lost to Crystal Palace but they are winners as far as Bob and Nick are concerned, through their involvement they got onto Radio Devon and Classic Gold Exeter as well as collecting 769 on the night.

Little Chef's continue to be a great support, Brandon’s “genny” has been in action and the massage arranged by Chris at the Northern Institute has been a life saver.