On 7th April 2019, I will be running my first Marathon, in my home town of Manchester.

Initially, I was going to do it for myself, because it will be a big achievement for me to be able to cross the finish line.

Then I heard about a friend who had nearly lost his life in an unprovoked attack, and his subsequent struggle to regain consciousness, mobility and speech. I decided then that I wanted to run the marathon for him instead.

I met Joe briefly back in 2016, when he joined myself and two others on a snowboarding trip to north Spain. I was impressed with his positive outlook, sense of adventure and great sense of humour. Also, in two days, by sheer will and determination(and one or two tumbles!) he progressed from a complete novice to being able to carve down the mountain, at speed, punching the air with exultation. I was proud to witness that moment, because I'd also seen how determined he was to learn this new skill, and his refusal to give up.

I kept in occasional touch with Joe via Facebook when he went on to travel and work his way around Australia, and was shocked and horrified to hear about the awful attack a year ago, which left him in a coma for months.

He is conscious now and learning to talk again, and regain some mobility.
He knows it will be a long road to recovery, but I know his determination, strong spirit and good humour will get him there.

His family are raising funds so that they can have their house modified, to enable Joe to continue his rehabilitation at home, and also to pay for his ongoing treatment and therapy.

I would love to be able to contribute something towards this, so if you can spare just a little something to support me on my marathon attempt, and to help Joe too, I'd be eternally grateful.

All the funds I raise will be sent to Joe's family, or paid straight into their own Crowdfunding page at the end of my campaign. I'll cover the small admin costs that justgiving charge.

Many thanks for looking. x