Week One: Meeting

The first week of training began with the inaugural meeting for Team Ellis 2009 at a pub in Westminster. 

First to the bar was Chris 'Spartacus' McDermott followed closely by Gemma 'Steveo' Stevenson who barely noticed the time fly by as Chris explained he was soon jetting off to Switzerland to buy light fittings. 

Fortunately for everyone within earshot, James 'Jimbob' Wright soon arrived but was visibly annoyed to find his entrance somewhat overshadowed by the surprise appearance of Team Ellis' last-minute member, Sarah 'Sarahbailey' Bailey. 

Once the shrieks of joy died down Matthew 'Mac' McMillan burst through the door to take the remaining seat at the table and as the final member to arrive was forced into buying a round of orange-juice and lemonade. 

Pat Hort and Freak-boy-lanky-fat-head were unable to attend and will have to wait to find out what their nicknames might be. 

For those of you who have stumbled across this blog whilst searching for ebay or who may have been handed a scrap of paper with the address scribbled onto it by one of the girls in a bar, Team Ellis is a group of elite athletes carefully selected and then bullied by James into completing this year's London Marathon. 

In doing so they hope to raise well over twelve thousand pounds for CLIC Sargent who do excellent work in caring for children suffering with cancer and their families. To find out more about the help and support CLIC offer, visit their website.  

All seven runners will be completing the 26.3 miles in memory of a very brave young girl who tragically passed away last year after a long and inspirational battle with cancer. Ellis Clark was just 16 and had battled with various forms of the disease for four years. More about Ellis as we go but suffice to say for now, this one's for you Kiddo.