Hannah Blackledge
Richard 'Runs' London Marathon 2016
Fundraising for SportsAid
Story
For those of you that don't know, I am running the London Marathon for the 2nd time in April 2016 and intend to complete this one without falling on my back and waddling the last 7 miles in 2 hours 15 minutes.
I have begun training and recently ran 16 miles, although am paying the price for it now, which aptly brings me onto my chosen charity, SportsAid. SportsAid helps young athletes to overcome the financial obstacles they face in their bid to become Britain’s next generation of Olympians, Paralympians and world champions. The cost of their sport is one of their greatest challenges and despite already representing Great Britain at competitions all over the world, most receive no funding beyond that provided by SportsAid. In addition the charity supports grass roots sports, giving many young people the chance to access the benefits that sport brings both physically and socially that without aid they would never have the chance to play.
Sport has played a huge part in my upbringing and my adult life, helping keep me healthy and introducing me to many of my closest friends. I am hugely grateful for the opportunities I have had to play sport and love the idea of being able to give people the opportunity to participate and achieve their dreams at professional level.
Any donations are greatly received and help considerably when plodding along the Thames in the rain, wind and cold. (Conditions heightened for dramatic effect)