We did it! We did it! They said it couldn't be done (and even I was concerned about being able to make it in the heat). But on Saturday 15 July, Sarah Shires and I completed our Sport Relief Mile and defended the ‘honour’ of the Jim Hawkins Morning Show and Fat Losers everywhere!
 | | Hats off to the chefs and friends |
It was so fantastic to be part of something this big – over 423,000 people ran Sport Relief miles all across the UK and have raised millions for charity. Shropshire did its bit too, with over 500 men, women and children running, walking and toddling miles and other sponsored sporting activities particularly at Lower Lacon Caravan Park in Wem, Whitchurch Leisure Centre and Idsall Sports Centre. We had a fantastic time at Lower Lacon Caravan Park and can't thank Clive and team enough for a brilliant event. It was so well organised and over 200 people ran with us during the day. My hat is particularly in the air to the running chefs (complete in chefs’ hats and uniforms, comedy moustaches and rubber chickens - who sprinted the mile despite the blistering heat) and the guy who passed Sarah and me …running in flip-flops! So you all want to know, did we keep the promise we made to John Inverdale on Friday morning's show, to run the whole thing? YES! Yes, we did. At times it was difficult to keep going but we took it in turns to do the ‘personal trainer’ bit. I don't know why I'm surprised but with the finish in sight, Sarah almost caught me unawares with a comedy sprint for the line. But we finished together, as a team in 14 minutes 30 seconds.
 | | Jim and Sarah finish together |
This has been such a great experience. A few months ago I was having trouble running for a whole minute. Just over a month ago I only just managed a half-mile – and now I've run a mile! If you've ever thought about getting out there and starting to run I thoroughly recommend it. If I can do it, I reckon anyone can. Just take it gradually, build up running a little longer each practice and before you know it you will be amazing yourself and getting fitter. In the meantime, if you saw those amazing films on BBC One on Saturday night, of the conditions that people are having to cope with across the UK and around the world, and you haven't made a donation yet, please do. It is not too late to get as involved donations can still be made online or by calling 08457 910 910 (local rate apply) or at any bank, building society or Post Office. People wishing to donate can also send a cheque made payable to Sport Relief 2006 to Ernst & Young, PO Box 678, London, EC4A 1NT. | 
