Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

On 6th December I with my sons Daniel and Luke took the plunge and went white water rafting to raise funds for Sports Pursuits.  It was a beautiful sunny day and great fun but so cold........brrr.

The Trustees of Sports Pursuits are using this event to launch a fundraising campaign to raise £250,000 by the end of 2011.

Thank you to all who have given so generously so far.  The plan is to provide the resources to enable us to develop the charity and its programme whilst maintaining our distinctive Christian approach.  We want to be less dependent on external sources of funding that may compromise this or not support our values.

I am writing to churches, youth groups, schools, families and friends who have benefited or taken an interest in my involvment with Sports Pursuits over the years to ask whether you would be willing to support the campaign.

Please take a few minutes to visit our website here: www.sportspursuits.org

This will give you a good insight into the charity and what we are seeking to achieve in the lives of the young people we are involved with.

I see at first hand every day how sports coaching and teamwork can make a big difference to an individual's self confidence and attitude as we teach lifeskills and self discipline in a safe and affirming way.

To highlight what can be achieved let me share a story with you.

Alan was a very awkward 12 year old that had lots of issues, split family, facial disfigurement and was at risk of being excluded.  Through the football coaching which we introduced into the inner city school, Alan was able to focus his aggression and frustrations into positive outlets which after a year resulted in him being recruited to a Midlands Premier Division club and realising an ambition to travel abroad.  The smile on his face when he told us that he would be traveling with the youth team to Italy was amazing.

The Trustees and I are passionate about Sports Pursuits and what it can do to make a difference in the lives of children, young people and their families.  We want to see the charity develop in strength and influence over the next ten years and would greatly appreciate your support to help us achieve these aims.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Sports Pursuits 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.

So please sponsor me now!  -  THANK YOU!!! 

Derek

PS  Whatever amount you can give will be much appreciated , also if you know of others, individuals or churches who also might have an interest in the development of Sports Pursuits, please pass the link on to them.