Story
Thank you very much for visiting my fundraising page.
In April 2006, at the age of 41, I will attempt to run my first marathon in London. Like many, I have long held ambitions of running a marathon but, also like many, circumstances and - more significantly - lethargy, have always got the better of me! The motivation never quite matched the challenge!
So why finally accept the challenge? Through my work, I was once lucky enough to be able to briefly be close to elite Paralympic athletes in competition. It taught me what looking at the 'ability' in disability really meant. But elite disabled sport is one thing.
During the three years I have lived in St Petersburg, I have had my eyes opened to the situation for disabled people in this country. The accepted practice here is to separate disabled people from society, rather than integrating them into it. Clearly, this is the direct opposite of what organisations such as Phab are trying to promote and facilitate in the UK. In St Petersburg, I have worked on projects aimed at trying to pass best practice and skills from UK disability experts to Russian organisations, the long-term goal being to persuade Russia to accept and try to follow UK thinking on integration of disabled people. Organisations such as Phab set an example in UK, and I am therefore very happy that they have been kind enough to allow me the chance to contribute to their work. I am also delighted, of course, that they have given me the chance to meet my own personal challenge! I really need your support to meet my target. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Phab will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. So please sponsor me now! I will be grateful for anything you can spare. I return, I will promise 100% commitment to the training in order to give myself the best chance of completing the challenge, so drawing in those donations pledged for completion! Many thanks in advance for your support. best wishes Peter
In April 2006, at the age of 41, I will attempt to run my first marathon in London. Like many, I have long held ambitions of running a marathon but, also like many, circumstances and - more significantly - lethargy, have always got the better of me! The motivation never quite matched the challenge!
So why finally accept the challenge? Through my work, I was once lucky enough to be able to briefly be close to elite Paralympic athletes in competition. It taught me what looking at the 'ability' in disability really meant. But elite disabled sport is one thing.
During the three years I have lived in St Petersburg, I have had my eyes opened to the situation for disabled people in this country. The accepted practice here is to separate disabled people from society, rather than integrating them into it. Clearly, this is the direct opposite of what organisations such as Phab are trying to promote and facilitate in the UK. In St Petersburg, I have worked on projects aimed at trying to pass best practice and skills from UK disability experts to Russian organisations, the long-term goal being to persuade Russia to accept and try to follow UK thinking on integration of disabled people. Organisations such as Phab set an example in UK, and I am therefore very happy that they have been kind enough to allow me the chance to contribute to their work. I am also delighted, of course, that they have given me the chance to meet my own personal challenge! I really need your support to meet my target. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Phab will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. So please sponsor me now! I will be grateful for anything you can spare. I return, I will promise 100% commitment to the training in order to give myself the best chance of completing the challenge, so drawing in those donations pledged for completion! Many thanks in advance for your support. best wishes Peter