The success of London’s 2012 Olympic Bid will always be inextricably linked with the name of Seb Coe and deservedly so. However, I would also like to pay tribute to the part played by Richard Caborn MP in this success.

When Richard told Lynn Davies that he intended to run the London Marathon in 2005 and represent Ron’s Fund, I couldn’t believe it! Then Richard repeated it to my son Shaun at a Euro 2004 event, which gave me the courage to approach him myself and to find out that it was indeed true! Suddenly my quiet life was transformed and I was involved in writing a Newsletter and helping to arrange a reception at the House of Commons.

Ever the ultimate politician, Richard pointed out that 2005 was an important political year for Britain in Europe as well as host of the G8 Conference. Just as important, the 25^th anniversary of the London Marathon gave him an ideal opportunity to publicise his backing of London’s Olympic Bid and to show his personal commitment to sport by taking part.

What really amazed me was the way in which he prepared for the event, even though his political commitments meant he travelled the world during that time in his capacity as Minister for Sport. The opportunity this gave him to publicise and show his support for London’s Olympic Bid was invaluable and I would like to pay tribute to this unique contribution to its success.

Richard was remarkably fresh and full of running when we met at the finish of the marathon that day and I am full of admiration for him. He has kept his promise to raise a lot of money for our charity. His contribution will have doubled our normal total and his supporters include a "Who’s Who" of the British political scene as well as major players in our world of sport. What generosity they have shown to our charity and how grateful we are for their support.

Although he never met Ron, Richard admitted to a great admiration of his philosophy for sport. Richard’s run in the London Marathon in his memory means so much to me because by choosing our charity it links Ron Pickering’s name to the fact that the Olympic Games are coming back to London once again, a dream that Ron had many years ago.

When Richard told Lynn Davies that he intended to run the London Marathon in 2005 and represent Ron’s Fund, I couldn’t believe it! Then Richard repeated it to my son Shaun at a Euro 2004 event, which gave me the courage to approach him myself and to find out that it was indeed true! Suddenly my quiet life was transformed and I was involved in writing a Newsletter and helping to arrange a reception at the House of Commons.

Ever the ultimate politician, Richard pointed out that 2005 was an important political year for Britain in Europe as well as host of the G8 Conference. Just as important, the 25^th anniversary of the London Marathon gave him an ideal opportunity to publicise his backing of London’s Olympic Bid and to show his personal commitment to sport by taking part.

What really amazed me was the way in which he prepared for the event, even though his political commitments meant he travelled the world during that time in his capacity as Minister for Sport. The opportunity this gave him to publicise and show his support for London’s Olympic Bid was invaluable and I would like to pay tribute to this unique contribution to its success.

Richard was remarkably fresh and full of running when we met at the finish of the marathon that day and I am full of admiration for him. He has kept his promise to raise a lot of money for our charity. His contribution will have doubled our normal total and his supporters include a "Who’s Who" of the British political scene as well as major players in our world of sport. What generosity they have shown to our charity and how grateful we are for their support.

Although he never met Ron, Richard admitted to a great admiration of his philosophy for sport. Richard’s run in the London Marathon in his memory means so much to me because by choosing our charity it links Ron Pickering’s name to the fact that the Olympic Games are coming back to London once again, a dream that Ron had many years ago.