In February of this year, I was privileged to be offered a charity place for the Great North Run in September 2022, to raise money for a wonderful local Leicestershire charity called Wishes For Kids. The charity grant a wish for children and youngsters in Leicestershire who are life limited, terminally ill, have experienced life-changing physical or emotional traumas and have suffered major abuse. It aims to help ease the suffering of these children and their families.  

This will be my fifth half marathon since my first in 2009. The passing years have brought many trials and tribulations such as starting a family, the arrival of children, bereavement, recurring injuries, decreasing fitness, getting older and a serious crisp habit. So this will be a genuine challenge for me. My last half marathon was in 2019.  I was woefully unprepared, painfully slow and I hated the last few miles with every part of my body. Things can only get better.

I also wanted to do something positive  this year in honour of my lovely mum, Edith Hall, who we lost suddenly in November 2021. She absolutely adored children and she would have wholeheartedly supported the work of Wishes for Kids. If I can muster a small part of the bravery and courage my mum demonstrated in the final days of her life, then I will get through those final painful miles with a smile on my face and a bounce in my step 🥳.

So come on canny lads and lasses, give us yer money for a canny cause 🤩.