Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

Since running the Bath Half Marathon for Portage in 2004, there has been a sneaky voice in my head whispering, “How about a full marathon, just once before…. well, before it’s too late?”

So, just this once, my running partner Linda and I will try to complete the   

         PARIS MARATHON on April 5^th 2009

We have only 2 goals:- to finish (possibly setting a record for the slowest ever marathon) and to raise money for the West Wilts Portage Service.

Portage provides home teaching for very young children with special needs - often with disabilities such as Down's Syndrome or Autism. Parents of children who need Portage are desperate to help their child but can feel overwhelmed by the difficulties they face. During weekly home visits, Portage Tutors show them how to teach their child all the early skills that seem to come so easily to other children. Children have good fun and make good progress. One mum wrote:

“Portage is a way of life. Before Portage, I felt I was drowning. Now I can walk on water!”

Until last year, Linda had not run more than a few steps at a time and only then out of dire necessity. She was looking for a challenge around the time I was looking for someone daft enough to join me in this effort. By the time we run, our combined ages will be nearly 120 years. So you can see why we are going to need all the support you can give us!! 

£2,500 keeps one child in Portage for a year. We would love to raise enough to give at least one child - as another mum wrote - "a really good start to her wonderful little life".

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The West Wilts Portage Service gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Any and every donation is hugely appreciated, particularly in these difficult times and 100% goes to the Portage service. Thank you so very much.

Alison