Hi, if you are reading this, you have so kindly clicked on my link, thank you! As you may or may not know I have been challenging myself every year since 2015 to run more and to explore triathlons. It has been an adventure!. This year I have challenged myself further, I plan to run my first Marathon in Brighton and complete my first ever Olympic Distance triathlon!! I would dearly love to dedicate these challenges to my Church of 16yrs, Stour Valley Baptist Church.

Stour Valley Baptist Church is based in Shipston on Stour. Our locality has seen dramatic cuts in statutory funding for our Children's Centre and other children's services and many young families are struggling. As a Church with a vision to serve our local community we have responded by appointing a part time (24 hpw) Children's Worker. We are really excited about this role which enables us to run a weekly toddler group open to and inclusive of all mums and carers and their little ones. We get up to 30 coming along and they view it as a vital part of the jigsaw of support and friendship they get every week. The role also enables us to support our local Primary School with two after school clubs - that have proven to be the most oversubscribed ones they offer! The role also enables us to partner with the other local churches in continuing to provide a Holiday Club week in the summer holidays for primary school aged children. In previous years this has been a hugely appreciated activity for some 80 children and a great help to parents. We have other exciting plans for working with children but it all hinges on our being able to fund the £12,500 the post is costing us.

My children and I have benefited hugely from the children's work over the years and we would dearly like to bless others with these experiences too.

Please support me generously and know that your giving will have a real impact in real lives in a very real local community.

Thank you. x