On Sunday evening, as the church bell tolls for 7.30pm I see a young man reaching the 21 mile mark for the London marathon. His sweaty vest, emblazoned with ‘help for heroes’ is matted against his lean body. He is tired. Exhausted. Yet, I see an individual whose whole being is completely focussed on his commitment to his vision of completeling his race.

Sunday evening traffic roars past him. He brings his crutches forward again and again, his amputeed right leg swinging to his rhythm. Close behind him a friend pushes a wheelchair. Because, that’s what mates are for, isn’t it?

Where have we been struggling to do things all by ourselves when it could have been so much easier asking for help? When had we asked for help and discovered that the journey was easier, more fun? When had we supported someone else in their quest and found that, not only was the task completed in half the time, but that it was an excellent learning experience for us? A trouble shared is a trouble halved.

Who will be a mate for today?

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