Hello - thanks for visiting my JustGiving page.

I’m such a lucky guy. I’ve got a beautiful family, fantastic friends, good health, and a lovely home shared with four chickens, a cat and a crazy dog. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel, been to university and emerged largely debt free, and been employed since graduating. In short, I realise I’ve had it very easy.

So, on 24th April 2016, I’m going to be running the London Marathon in support of the YMCA. Through its work in local communities, this amazing worldwide charity is helping to turn around the lives of over 600,000 vulnerable and disadvantaged young people every year. It provides them with safe accommodation, emotional support, education and training to improve their job prospects, and practical help to get their lives back on track.

You’ll probably already know that I love running, but this is going to take a bit of training! Having your support will make those runs in the dark much easier, and the experience of the marathon in April even more exhilarating. The funds that I raise will be split between YMCA England and Newbury YMCA, so please donate if you can.

Here are just a few examples of how the money you give could help a young person:

•        Just £15 could provide a young homeless person with a safe place to stay at a YMCA for a night.

•        £30 could provide a young person with the coaching, skills and confidence they need to give them the best chance of getting a job.

•        £80 could give a young carer a break from their burdens and worries.

•        £500 could fund family mediation sessions for 3 families, helping them to work through their problems and stay together.

Newbury YMCA's focus is on providing sports activities and youth cafes, where all young people are welcome. Your money will help us to fund their youth work.

To find out more about Newbury YMCA check out their webpage www.newburyymca.org or find us on Facebook.

More information about YMCA England can be found at www.ymca.org.uk

Thank you for your support!