Hi all. As a very active runner for some years now, I generally try to avoid fundraising as I know we all get lots of requests. But sometimes a special opportunity arises where it has to be done. Indeed, this is only the 2nd time I have run for charity in recent years, so thank you for listening.

Lucy and I had the pleasure of attending the Saints Foundation charity dinner back in 2020, where we learnt of their extraordinary work in supporting the lives of a wide range of people, who through no fault of their own, need help. This is not a prescriptive charity, but instead is an organisation that transforms the lives of a wide range of people in need. This might include a young child with a crippling disability, older folks who have become lonely, or people who have suffered physical or mental abuse and have lost the will to live. The range is endless.

During the dinner we heard the stories of many people whose lives had been transformed by the work the Saints Foundation does on a day to day basis. Some might not be here today if it was not for their work. It was very humbling to hear their stories and see first hand how the Foundation's work had truly changed peoples lives.

So, when the Saints Foundation mentioned that they were looking for people to raise money by running the Southampton Half Marathon in April 2020, this presented a great opportunity to not only raise money for a terrific cause, but also to do so in memory of Dani Shapira, a great friend and fellow Saints fan. Dani sadly passed away in 2019, having been diagnosed with cancer only a year earlier, though he remained incredibly positive and strong throughout. Dani's wit and tactical genius, which was frequently shared with the Saints coaching staff from his seat behind the Saints dugout, will be sorely missed (though maybe not by the Saints coaching staff). But his memory will live long in the minds of those lucky enough to know him.

Dani's wife Lynne, also a Saints season ticket holder, agreed that raising money for the Saints Foundation, in Dani's name, would be a great way to remember the big fella. So PLEASE dig deep. Dani, Lynne, and all involved in the Saints Foundation will be immensely grateful, as will I.

After several postponements due to Covid, I will finally be running the Southampton Half Marathon on April 24th, 2022! However, I've not been idle during the delay, and given my extended training regime, I'm on a mission to complete a virtual challenge, namely to run the 2,846 road miles from Dani's home in Southampton to his birthplace in Ein Dor, Israel. 

A bit daunting, but from the start of my original training in February 2020 to the end of February 2022 I have amassed 2,577.6 miles towards my goal, leaving "just" 268.4 to go and 8 weeks to do it. That puts me somewhere around Aleppo in Syria on my virtual run, and with a fair wind I hope to complete my mission and arrive in Ein Dor during the Southampton Half. After two years of waiting, I am ready! Bring It On.

Thank you for listening and for your support.

Tim

Footnote: In addition to the personal donations listed on the fundraising page, can I say a huge thank you to those who contributed at the time of the original (aborted) 2020 Half Marathon effort, which had to be shown and an offline donation, and also to my good friend Clive G, who very kindly has inspired me in the final push with a £1,000 (offline) donation this time around. All hugely appreciated! Thank you all, Tim

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Thank you for supporting Saints Foundation. All funds directly contribute towards helping us to transform lives in and around Southampton helping people to fulfil their potential, to be more involved, healthier and empowered members of the community. As the official charity of Southampton Football Club, Saints Foundation is financially independent and generates its own income through sponsorship, donations, events, coaching programmes and grants from external agencies to deliver and support charitable projects. The charity works with thousands of individual participants each year, working across a range of projects within the core themes of; Education, Health and Wellbeing, Saints4All, Schools and Community, Football and Sports Development and Employability and Lifelong Learning. To find out more please visit our website: https://saintsfoundation.co.uk/