Running for the Phab of it

When I started running, I never set out to run marathons. But in the course of trying to maintain my sanity and health, one thing led to another and I found myself qualifying for the big one, Boston, in 2017. At the end of that exploit, as I gingerly hobbled back to my hotel, I was ready to hang up my marathon shoes for good.

But an invitation to run not just for the joy of running - but for a greater purpose - gnawed at me. Before I knew what had happened, I had registered to run the Virgin Money London Marathon to raise money for Phab Kids.

Phab Kids is a UK charity dedicated to promoting understanding and inclusion between disabled and non-disabled people. Phab was born in 1957 when a severely disabled young man named Terry Rolfe asked for "opportunity, not pity for disabled people" and that disabled people be given a chance to share in activities on equal terms with non-disabled people.

Today Phab continues that founding ethos of bringing together people of all abilities on equal terms to make more of life together - breaking down community barriers, reducing social isolation, and creating opportunities for disabled people to enjoy the same activities and challenges as and alongside non-disabled people.

Finishing Boston was an exhilaration like no other. After months of training miles upon miles, conquering plantar fasciitis and Heartbreak Hill, crossing the finish line was a triumph - but for me alone. In London, I'll undergo the grueling challenge of the race to benefit more than 8,000 children, young people and adults, with and without disabilities, across the UK who benefit from Phab each year.

You can help  

You can help break down the barriers and bring people together of all abilities - and you don't even have to endure the grind of 26.2 miles to do it! Just reach deep into your pocket and support me on my run. Those of you who know me well, know I've never asked for money, not even for so much as a raffle ticket. Truth be told, I've already reached my fund raising goal out of my own pocket. However, it is for a great cause, and for the kids, I thought I'd make an exception. So anything you can do to help them would be greatly appreciated.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. They'll never sell your details on or send you unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to Phab. Thank you in advance and I hope you'll cheer me and the PhabKids on Sunday, 22 April, 2018 in London. 

Come on now - I'm doing the hard part for you - open that wallet, let the moths fly off and give something to the kids. They'll be glad you did - and so will you :-)

Thanks, my friends,

Geoff