Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

I first got to know Fredericks Foundation through my job, it is run by our Chairman, Paul Barry-Walsh.  After learning more about the charity, I liked the idea because I received a similar loan to start my own company in 1996.

In fact my Mum and step-Dad Tim lent me some money to start my own company (which I paid back in full)!  So after Mum passed away in March this year, this is also in honour of her.  (She also liked me to keep fit)!

What have I got myself into....

From the 12th - 15th September I will be taking part in the Hannibal Challenge which takes place in the remote setting of the French Alps in the Queyras National Park. This is a challenging two day walk over the Alps in the footsteps of the great Hannibal. I will be part of a team undertaking the "Gold" route which totals 83km or 52 miles in two days.

What's it all for?

Unfortunately this isn't just some jolly I'm off on, I've taken up this challenge to help support the Fredericks Foundation. The Fredericks Foundation is a charity that helps disadvantaged people to start their own business as a means to achieve financial independence and renewed confidence and self-esteem.  Our clients are all unemployed when we first meet them and they may also be single parents, disabled or have served a prison sentence – all groups of people who find it difficult or impossible to obtain financial support through regular channels.  For all of them self-employment offers a real chance to support themselves and their families once again.
 
Fredericks offers microloans of up to £5000 and the business support that enables people to turn their vision into reality. Currently Fredericks Foundation has funded nearly 500 businesses and is acknowledged as having one of the lowest cost bases for its output.

Where you come into it...