Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. This year i've decided to give a little  sweat and tears in challenging myself to complete three very different challenges. Firstly the London Marathon followed by cycling 650 miles from Cornwall to the North East of the UK and finally completing a 50 mile fell race in the lake district. All to raise funds to help make a difference to the lives of young people and the families of bereaved service personnel who've lost loved ones in Afghanistan and Iraq.

My first challenge the London Marathon is to raise money for a charity supported by the YHA called Breaks 4 Kids. You can check out the website at www.breaks4kids.com here you will see how we aim to help to fund youth groups and school trips for children from low income households, by contributing up to 50% of the cost of their YHA accommodation and food. This gives children who would otherwise be left behind, the chance to be included in the trip with the rest of their group. Residential trips and activities allow children to expand their horizons, build their confidence and self-esteem, and develop important skills in communication and team building. I believe that all children should have the opportunity to experience learning beyond their classroom, allowing them to appreciate the countryside and the cultural value of our towns and cities.

My second challenge, in May, is to raise money by cycling 650 miles from Coverack in Cornwall to Whitby in the North East over 7 days with 5 of my colleagues and 25 Army personnel. The first day is the shocker where we aim to cycle 117 miles. This is a great challenge and its aim is to raise funds to provide activity breaks for families of bereaved service personnel who have lost loved ones in the Middle East. The activity camps are firstly an opportunity for families to have a holiday where their current circumstances may not permit and secondly to spend time with people who are going through or have been through the same experiences. The positive impact the camps have on the children and parents of the families is captured in the short video link which is supplied on my page. I challenge you watch the video snapshot of the 2009 camps and see and feel how the camps made a real difference to the families involved, rebuilding confidence and bridges within family units where much needed support made a huge difference.  

My final challenge, in July, is the completion of a personal ambition to raise money by completing a 50 mile ultra marathon. The distance in itself is a challenge, throw a few mountains into the mix and you've got an Ultra challenge where i'll be running for roughly ten hours from Pooley Bridge in Cumbria across the fells to Coniston. 

Those of you who know me will know that i'll be giving 110% to achieving all three of these challenges and with your support behind me a feel confident that i'll reach my goal of winning the London Marathon, completing the 650 mile bike ride in a day and completing the ultra marathon without a blister in sight! just kidding. All your donations no matter how big or small are received with the upmost thanks and will go a long way to making a difference to those who will appreciate it the most. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Best Wishes 

Mick