I was unfortunate to begin life with a body that I was told didn't work properly.

I was told that I was different and that because of this there were things I wouldn't be able to do or achieve.

I was fortunate to be born into a loving family who cared for me, got me the help I needed and to encouraged me to achieve.  With the support of family and friends as well as my own sense of determination I was able accomplish so many of the things I was told would be beyond me.

So many of the young people that the YMCA come into contact with on a daily basis do not have such support, or the barriers they face seem insurmountable.  People tell them they cannot achieve, that they will never accomplish their goals and so often their experiences compound this.

Staff and volunteers each day across UK tell young people, 'yes you can' and  accompany them on their journey encouraging them to achieve, helping them reach their goals.

18 years ago I had a major operation to give me the chance to live a life free of pain and discomfort.  I told the Doctors that after this operation I would run the London Marathon.  It has taken another 18 years but in 2016 I will achieve this goal...

It will be the fulfilment of an 18 year journey, one in which there have been many ups and downs as I have worked to get my body ready for this challenge...but I want my story to be one that makes a difference in the lives of young people who think that they cannot achieve their goals.

Money raised through my running the Marathon will go to support young people in Northern Lincolnshire and to the work of YMCA in England. 

Please will you join me in saying to young people 'Yes...you CAN!'