As you know our son, Mark, has special needs and is fortunate enough to attend The Dales School. Friends Of The Dales School have already raised a fantastic £60,000 to fund the replacement of the school's hydro pool but they are looking to raise a further £40,000 to make the changing area fit for purpose and buy an interactive sound and lighting system to enahnce the students learning experience. Marky, for one, LOVES to swim - it's the highlight of his week! The water gives him the freedom of movement he doesn't always achieve on land. Every student who attends the school has use of the pool and gets equal enjoyment and benefit.

For this reason I've decided to raise money by running The Great North Run in September 2017. For those of you who know me running is NOT one of my passions but if I'm going to raise money for such a worthwhile cause I need to challenge myself. With Marky and the rest of the family for encouragement I will succeed. I'm not expecting to raise the £40,000 alone so my target is £300. Please give as little or as much as you are able.

The school is a fabulous environment for Marky and all the other student. Me being able to give a little back will go but a short way to thanking The Dales School for helping Marky become the incredible young man he is.