Hi all!

Seasons greetings and a Happy New Year!

The Who:

Welcome to the Just Giving page of Adrian Wilson, Principal oboe of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Ensemble 360.

The Challenge:

To run 2020km in 2020 and in the process raise some money and awareness for 3 groups who provide fantastic support and opportunities in musical education.

The Story:

When I was growing up I was fortunate enough to have access to free one-to-one instrumental lessons in school and to experience and perform in a variety of inspirational youth ensembles.

It saddens me that, for many young people, this is no longer possible due to the decline in financial support and importance given to music in schools.

I strongly believe that the creative power, the freedom, the confidence, the collaboration, the discipline and passion that music can provide should be accessible to all. It transcends every possible division in this world and despite all the evidence showing its positive benefits in all facets of life, it remains a marginalised and under-supported part of our education.

So, I have decided to figuratively and literally get off my backside and set myself the challenge of running 2020km in 2020!

With your generous support I am hoping to help the following 3 groups that are providing so much for young musicians today:

RSNO Engage

https://www.rsno.org.uk/engage/

Music in the Round

http://www.musicintheround.co.uk/editorial.php?ref=learning-and-participation

The Nicola Benedetti Foundation

https://www.benedettifoundation.org

I will be blogging my progress throughout the year and running with some very lovely and special people whilst finding out about their own musical journey.

All donations will be split equally between the 3 groups so please give what you can to help them continue their brilliant work and, of course, spur me on to run, run, run!

Now, where did I put my trainers?

Adrian x

P.S you can follow my progress throughout the year at www.strava.com