Susie McConnell
Gavin's London Marathon page
Fundraising for British Dyslexia Association
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
A lot of my friends and family will not know this, but I was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of 8. I am now 36 and have experienced many ups and down over the years with the challenges that having dyslexia has presented to me.
Throughout my school days, whilst many of my friends were out playing football or doing other things that teenagers do (one of which was thankfully not social networking back in those days), I spent many hours in work shops, study skills lessons and educational support groups, just to be able to stay in touch academically with my peers. Although a lot of this support was facilitated by my parents, for who I am eternally grateful, the BDA (British Dyslexia Association) were the organisation who gave the structure and substance to this support and in turn aid in my development into the person who I am today.
Throughout my school days, whilst many of my friends were out playing football or doing other things that teenagers do (one of which was thankfully not social networking back in those days), I spent many hours in work shops, study skills lessons and educational support groups, just to be able to stay in touch academically with my peers. Although a lot of this support was facilitated by my parents, for who I am eternally grateful, the BDA (British Dyslexia Association) were the organisation who gave the structure and substance to this support and in turn aid in my development into the person who I am today.
One thing that stands out for me was the way that BDA fully supported my love of sport and always looked to encourage my participation in physical activity, as they truly saw how much joy and confidence it gave me - the academic challenges that I experienced, then seemed to take care of themselves.
I am currently an Assistant Headteacher at an outstanding High school in Worcestershire, so really feel that my life has (up until this point) been a real success. In the role that I play now, I feel that I am in a brilliant position to influence the lives of other individuals who may be facing similar challenges to myself and feel proud to be able to do so.
I am currently an Assistant Headteacher at an outstanding High school in Worcestershire, so really feel that my life has (up until this point) been a real success. In the role that I play now, I feel that I am in a brilliant position to influence the lives of other individuals who may be facing similar challenges to myself and feel proud to be able to do so.
The idea of running 26.2 miles really is quite mind blowing at present, but would be nothing in comparison to some of the challenges that I know people with Dyslexia are likely to experience throughout their lives.
This is why I feel incredibly proud, to once again challenge myself, whilst at the same time support an organisation that is very close to my heart.
Thank you ever so much for your time and in anticipation of your support.
Gavin
Thank you ever so much for your time and in anticipation of your support.
Gavin
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