Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I’m running the London Marathon on April 24th in support of I Can - the children's communication charity.
 As many of you know, this is a cause that is very close to me and my family. Our eldest son Angus has a very severe speech and language disorder - he has just turned 9 and whilst he’s made progress over the last few years, he continues to find it incredibly hard to speak and be understood.
 However, Angus is fortunate - he has a great team behind him, he is loved and cared for and importantly as his parents we have resources and we are resourceful.
 This is so often not the case and we frequently imagine Angus in a parallel life . . . one where he does not have access to the support he needs nor a team behind him fighting his cause every step of the way... we can only imagine that life would be incredibly tough.
 Whereas we live feeling hopeful for Angus’ future, Parallel Angus is growing up with a sense hopelessness.
 Also Angus’ issues are severe but they are obviously severe to all and the case for Angus to access help and support is clearly there.
The boy in a mainstream class, who is struggling to make himself understood to his teachers and peers, and slowly falling behind and losing confidence . . . it might not be as obvious but he is just as in need of help. Research shows that 1 in 10 children in the UK - 2 or 3 children in every classroom - have communication difficulties that require specialist help. In deprived areas of the UK, up to 50% of children start school with delayed language skills, meaning they struggle to speak or understand words. This affects their learning, literacy, cognitive development and emotional well-being, making these children extremely vulnerable.
Which is why I Can’s mission – to ensure that no child should be left out or left behind because of a difficulty speaking or understanding – is so important.
Whilst running has become a part of everyday life for me, 26 miles is still going to be a huge challenge. That said, I’m up for it and for my part, I am determined to run it faster than my previous 3 hours 56 minutes…..and have 3 hours 45 minutes in my sight! My family will be out there supporting and cheering me on.
Many of you were incredibly generous sponsoring the GGs in 2013 and we appreciate you receive several requests for sponsorship . . . any contribution, however small, would be hugely appreciated.