As you may or may have not be aware that I am taking part in the London marathon on April 21. I decided to do this as a major challenge to myself and as a large fundraiser for a fantastic charity I have been supporting along with my company for 2 years. Please find info below on my chosen charity (CHICKS). 

About CHICKS

CHICKS offers free week long respite breaks for underprivileged children from across the UK. The children are referred to CHICKS by a professional body and the team read every child's story and check that they meet the CHICKS criteria – that they will have no other opportunity of a break within the year. Many live in severe poverty, are being neglected, bullied, abused or live in care. CHICKS support many children who have been bereaved or are full time young carers baring the extraordinary responsibility of looking after parents or siblings. The one thing they all have in common is that without CHICKS’ support they would not get any respite from their home situations. CHICKS hopes that through the provision of the respite breaks, children who often feel 'excluded' can feel 'included'. Maybe for the first time in their lives the children can feel cared for and valued. The children are able to enjoy activities and experiences that in their normal circumstances are unavailable to them.

CHICKS have two stunning Retreats in Cornwall and Devon. Both take a maximum of 16 children at one time; 8 boys and 8 girls, within an 8-11 or 12-15 age range which ensures a friendly and supportive "family" atmosphere. CHICKS aim to help 1,200 children this year and in order to achieve this there are always three fully trained members of the supervisory team on every break along with eight volunteers to complete each camp and therefore they require 600 volunteers in total this year.

Every child goes home with a Memory Bag full of photos from their break – these photos can sometimes be the only ones the child has and they are truly treasured! They also leave with treats and most importantly a freepost envelope so they can write to the people that they met on camp. Every child's letter is always responded to with a hand written letter and another freepost envelope; this contact can go on as long as the child wants it and can sometimes be the only support and listening ear the child has. Every child that visits CHICKS within that year also receives a monthly newsletter, a birthday card, and a card and present at Christmas; this can often be the only gift the child receives and the thank you letters that come flooding in over January truly show how much this means to the children. One of the key benefits the children receive from going on a CHICKS break is the valuable and positive 'time out' they can enjoy, away from the stresses of their day-to-day lives. The fun-packed days boost the children's confidence and self-esteem and they return home happier, with an improved sense of self-worth and with some really positive childhood memories. CHICKS organises return visits for as many children as possible so long as they still meet the criteria. The main one being that the child will not have another break in that year. CHICKS want children to return home knowing that someone cares, someone understands, someone thinks their life is worth living and someone is there, 'holding their hand' as a trusted friend. The breaks are fun, friendly, challenging, and really do make a difference. CHICKS receive letters from children who are now grown adults saying how CHICKS changed their lives.

It is hard to do the work and impact CHICKS have justice in a few paragraphs so please do have a look at their website: http://www.chicks.org.uk/about-us

Support

I have pledged to raise £2,500 for CHICKS and any support you can provide in helping me reach this target would be much appreciated by both myself and CHICKS as well as the children whose lives they change