After endless circles around Richmond Park and looking at the same blackline of the pool, I am pleased to report that  I have completed my first (and only?) triathlon.  Total time of 2hrs 22mins 32secs: swim 24:14, bike 1:06:19, run 46:17.

Thanks to each and everyone of you for your generous support.  We have raised an incredible amount of much needed money for Small Steps.  Unfortunately it is only a drop in the bucket as the School and children still need all the support possible as Smalls Steps only raised 50% of Fiscal Year 2010's operating budget.

 

Thanks again!

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Our son Noah has Downs Syndrome, and he is the biggest inspiration to me.  As a result of the Downs, he was born with both physical and developmental disabilities.  Learning to sit, crawl, walk, and speak  have been and are a challenge for him, taking him much longer than in other children.

Noah's development has been supported by an incredible charitable organization - Small Steps, which helps children with disabilities..

Small Steps helps infants and toddlers learn to sit, crawl, walk and do the things most of us take for granted.  They have the most amazing and dedicated staff, and most surprisingly do not request any tuition payment.  Unfortunately, Small Steps does not receive any direct funding from the government; nor does it have an endowment and must raise roughly £250,000 each year to help these children.  The current economic environment has been a difficult period for Small Steps.  They only managed to raise approximately 50% of next years operating budget in the fiscal 2010 year (which closed May 31 2010).  As a result of the shortfall, Small Steps has had to eliminate a teacher for the upcoming September school year.

I have decided to enter my first triathlon in hopes of raising money to help keep Small Steps funded, and doing what they do best - helping small children.  While my ultimate goal is to help Small Steps find an endowment, my short term goal is to raise at £12,500.00 which is the approximate cost of supporting one child for 30 months.

It is my greatest hope that you will endorse my aspirations by contributing to Small Steps.  I hope that you will be able to give generously and that together with your help we can ensure that Small Steps continues to make a big impact with these wonderful children.

Come cheer me on, or join me in a training swim, bike or run.  With a little luck, I hope to bust 2.5 hours.

With much appreciation for your time and generosity,

Ron
 

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