Until 6mths ago, I took part in no regular exercise whatsoever and hadn't for the best part of ten years. I have therefore started from quite a low ebb of fitness but have now worked up to running regular runs of 10k and am planning to now extend this to 15k / 1hr 20mins. I hope to run the half Marathon in around 2hrs but anything below this will be a bonus.

Mentoring Plus works with 7-21 year olds facing very serious difficulties. Most live in poverty, and many have struggled with family breakdown, abuse or neglect.

Children and teens come to us with significant mental health issues, many having self harmed or attempted suicide. Some are in care, or are young carers themselves. Many find education very difficult, becoming disengaged, disruptive or too anxious to attend school.

Mentoring Plus is all about inspiring our community to take care of young people at risk. We recruit, train and support volunteer mentors and pair them one to one with young people referred to us. Mentors help young people get out and about, experiencing new things. They listen, don't judge, and they often help young people into education, work or training.

The money we raise on 25th September will directly benefit young people in serious need here in our community. It will help pay for our professional practitioners to get to know each mentee, support mentors, and offer young people access to a rich programme of skills-building activities.

Your efforts and your kind sponsors will help disadvantaged young people stay out of trouble, stay in school and stay safe. Thanks to you, they'll feel happier, more confident and more hopeful for their future.