Hi, thanks for visiting my page. 

Please don't think just because I'm running a Marathon abroad that I'm a seasoned runner. I've never done one before and between you and me I'm a bit nervous. The hours and miles of training have gone well though so I should be OK.

 I've worked for Barnardo's for over 5 years now and am continually proud to work for a charity that helps so many people in so many ways. As Barnardo's works in so many ways with children and young people, at times that can dilute the message of just how vital that work is and how many lives have been changed for the better by the people of this charity.

 Barnardo's believes in the worth of children and young people and doesn't give up on them even if they've given up on themselves.

 Much of our work nowadays is around prevention but we also work with children, families and communities to help when a crisis has arisen. We also lobby the government to influence policy and law based on our experience and that of our service users.

 Whilst there are so many aspects to the work that Barnardos’ does, and there are so many excellent and worthwhile services, from my experience the work that has particularly inspired me is:

 ·   The Somerset service that works on improving outdoor play and play facilities for children. It encourages risk in play -allowing children to learn to assess risk safely.  It also works with the council on designing play spaces. A breath of fresh air in this time of health and safety!

 ·   Community Family Workers. In many disadvantaged communities newcomers often move there because they have no other choice. Perhaps they have had to leave friends or family behind and often know nobody. Community Family Workers can sometimes be those people's only point of contact with the outside world – as well as providing advice on parenting, help groups and a tremendous range of other subjects.

 ·   The Family Group Conferencing services which help a family come up with an action plan. This has proved to be so successful as families make the plan (and so are more committed to following it) rather than external professionals. It has helped so many children previously classed as beyond help. A particular example for me was of a child who was at risk of exclusion from school due to non attendance. Barnardo’s listened to him and it turns out that he was bullied because he smelt. The family couldn’t afford a washing machine and the mother (although she wanted to help) was physically unable to handwash clothes. Part of his wish list for life was something as simple to us as “a new pair of pants.” The family created an action plan and Barnardo’s funded a washing machine, now his attendance is dramatically improved and he is doing well at school again. 

 ·   The BASE (Barnardo's against Sexual Exploitation) services which help and advise children and young people at risk of becoming involved in prostitution and other inappropriate sexual activity.

 Through Just Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to Barnardo's. Just Giving will claim gift aid on a charity’s behalf where the donor is eligible (must be a UK taxpayer) for this. I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations.