In September 1985 my father was killed in a road traffic accident while serving in the Royal Air Force in Germany.  As an 11 year old, in the blink of an eye, my world ended - we lost our home, our way of life and worst of all we lost Dad.

Everybody said that time would heal and they were right, well partially.  To attribute the entire healing process to time would do an injustice to the support offered by the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.  Support which endured long after the painful memories began to recede. They built us a wall, provided a home, an education for my brother and I, and support for Mum. When we were ready we were able to climb over the wall and carry on with our lives.  Now 24 years on I'm blessed with a fantastic loving family and a relevant and rewarding career. 

On 6 December I'm undertaking the Las Vegas Marathon, my aim is to complete the course in a time which doesn't require a calendar (no small feat in itself) but also use this as an opportunity to attempt to pay back what is in an incalculable debt.

I appreciate that we face harsh economic times; however, events half a world away mean that charities like the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund are, unfortunately, in greater demand than ever.

Please help me support what I hope you agree is a truly deserving charity.

Thanks

Gaz