Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure.  It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: YMCA gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, the government adds 25% in Gift Aid, plus 3% extra is added to your donation.

Your sponsorship is a real motivation for me to keep going out, pounding the streets and even practising in the rain after a long day at work!  Why am I doing this?  Well, I was a couch potato who never exercised and then I visited Watford YMCA.  I'm going to be 35 years old in October and I decided that if I'm going to do it, its now or never, and that's why I'm running the Great North Run.

I'm running for the YMCA because I've seen the great work that they do, and I want to help some of the most disadvantaged children and young people, giving them a second chance. 

* My local YMCA in Watford provides a home for homeless young people.  As the biggest provider of supported accommodation for young people, the YMCA challenges young people to take responsibility and keep out of trouble. 

* It works with children in its children's centres, with young people in schools and with young adults who are trying to get their lives together.  As a youth development agency, the YMCA helps young people, from all backgrounds, to fulfil their potential and make a positive contribution in their communities. 

* Watford YMCA works within the local community (in Watford, in St Albans and in nearby Abbots Langley).  In its three fitness centres it helps people get active.  It involves young people through sport and physical activity and also works with local doctors to help people lead a more active life. 

* YMCA England gives young people a voice in decisions that affect them so that policies and opportunities will help young people.  We help young people take decisions that will have a positive impact on their lives, giving them the resilience to bounce back and navigate the risks that life throws at them, so they can make the most of the second chance they're offered.

To find your local YMCA please visit www.ymca.org.uk