Do you ever wonder what it feels like to set out on an adventure where the outcome is completely unknown? To risk failure? To push yourself to the limit? 

For over two years now I’ve been asking myself this, learning everything I can about ultra running, and thinking about what it would take to complete a 100 mile race. 

And on the weekend of my 50^th birthday, May 4^th-5^th 2019, I successfully completed the Thames Path 100 mile race from Richmond to Oxford in 23 hours, 25 minutes and 42 seconds.

If you know me you’ll know why London Youth is so important to me, and why I’m fundraising for the charity. Most of the young people served by the 450 youth organisations that are part of London Youth are from less affluent backgrounds. Every night of the week, at weekends and during the school holidays, these clubs and projects are places young people choose to go, where they have fun with their friends, and where they can try new sports, find out how to volunteer in their community, and learn the skills they need to find work. 

These youth organisations are run by passionate youth workers who will do whatever it takes to help the young people in their area; many give their time voluntarily. They are trying to support young people against a backdrop of funding cuts and an increase in serious youth violence; they use all their physical, mental and spiritual resources to try to do the right thing for young people. London Youth works hard to do the right thing too, providing free opportunities and skills for young people, supporting youth workers with training and funding, and raising awareness of the importance of giving young people a place to go and something positive to do outside of school.

Please would you give me and London Youth your support.