Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. My name is Mark and I'd like to share something with you.

In 1991 I jumped out of an aeroplane, the parachute didn't open correctly. The jump didn't go well and I hit the ground at over 32mph - ouch..! A 45 minute ambulance ride with a dislocated hip is something that I don't recommend to anyone - especially when the only painkiller is gas & air.I spent a few weeks in the Army hospital at Woolwich in London on traction, my injuries were not life threatening - just very painful. But I didn't get out eventually and spent some time at home on crutches.

I was active before the accident, skiing, squash, water skiing and, of course running, but I spent the next 10 years with a 'dodgy knee' and I wouldn't walk anywhere - 'lets get a cab' seemed to be my catchprase. Last year I finally went to the doctor's and asked for an operation because my 'dodgy knee' was affecting my life. 3 days later I was back in hospital. The operation was successful and I was pain free for the first time in over 10 years.

I dared visit (even joined) a gym in Towcester with my wife Deborah. The first thing was a fitness test which I did, explaining that weights were probably okay for me, but I saw the treadmill. I started her up and completed a 2 mile run - exhausted but pain free, I went back the following night and did another couple of miles, then the next and the next.

I am, therefore running to benefit two charities - The Childrens Society and The Loddon School, the first £1,750 raised goes to fund my Gold Bond place and everything after that goes to The Loddon School - My target is £5,000 and you can see why I'm supporting the Loddon School on their Just Giving page. Have a look at what they do - it's quite incredible. My two chosen charities both look after children, which are close to my heart. I have two wonderful daughters that are healthy and it's my chance to give something to help other children that have a disadvantage in life. Everything that YOU donate from this page will go to The Loddon School, who look after 25 children with severe learning and behavourial dificulties, most, if not all, are autistic. They live at the school, they are looked after and educated. They are looked after with care and patience and lead more productive lives than they otherwise could.

Me and my charities aren't looking for your sympathy just your money to enable children to have a better life.

Here is an idea what YOUR money will do:

£50 - buys an educational game for a child

£100 - buys classroom equipment

£200 -  would renew a broken TV

£300 - keeps the furniture in good repair (I did say that they had behavourial dificulties)

£5,000 - (my target) would enhance the lives of them all in lots of ways (including: the summer barbeque, the Christmas play)

I wish you well, thank you for 'Just Giving' and making the life of a child, just slightly better.

Warm regards

Mark

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.