Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. 

As many of you will know, a little over 2 years ago I decided to make some radical changes to my lifestyle. Since prematurely finishing a football career aged 19, my professional career path subsequently contributed to my piling on many stones over the resulting 20+ years!. At 18+ stone, I felt very unfit and realised I needed to do something about it. At great expense, I employed a personal trainer who - shall we say - put me through my paces with a Crossfit programme..!. I also took up road cycling and now regularly cycle 100km+ per week. 26 months on, I have now finally reached my target weight, having lost in excess of 5 stones and a waist reduction of 8 inches from 40" to 32" :). I could not have achieved this without the support of my wife and children who have been incredibly supportive throughout!. Additionally, local charities have benefitted - not to mention the local economy! - from a "rotation" of my wardrobe!! 

When I commenced this lifestyle change, I committed to raising funds for a charity by completing some kind of fitness challenge.

My family and I were really touched by Skye's story. Skye lived only 5 minutes from our village and whilst we never met him, he proved to be an inspiration with his words "make the most of what you've got". He had an amazing sense of humour and showed such courage during his illness. He was clearly an amazing young man who had a maturity beyond his years. He will live long in my memory. Listening to Skye on BBC Radio Oxford - with his parents Sally and Andrew - was heartbreaking and inspirational in equal measure. Many people have asked how I have managed to shift the weight and a key contributing factor has been Skye's story, which has helped me maintain focus and motivation to participate  in- and complete! - such a challenge.  

Please do visit the charity' website for further insight and I am sure you will empathise with my comments.....

Having liaised with Sally prior to committing to this challenge, I am hugely proud, humbled and immensely honoured to be fund raising for this superb charity and I truly hope you are kind enough to donate. Your donations will help fund various vital projects. I further hope that your donations will be as rewarding to you as my experience has been for me.

Finally, I am absolutely delighted to confirm that Paul Byles Wealth Management will be matching all donations up to my fundraising target.