Last year I set myself the target of running a full marathon for the first time,wanting to achieve the full distance in under 4 hours and unfortunately I failed to do so, I crossed the line with a time of 4 hour 1 minute, it was frustrating to say the least so as some sort of sick idea/punishment I have decided to punish myself I will be running 2 Marathons this year. Leeds in May and York in October and both will be completed in less than 4 hours each.

I have chosen to show support and try raise some much needed funds to a cause close to home - quite literally close to home as my wife and sister in law are founding members of a local self funded voluntary led dance troupe in South Leeds,my own two teenage daughters and nieces and other family members dance in the troupe and have done since they were little.This isn't a charity but is a local group that provide a safe and fun space to children and young adults in the South Leeds area.

Giving them a place to belong, a place to build friendships, confidence, and create memories that will last a lifetime.My aim is to help raise some much needed funds for them to help pay for training facilities,new uniforms etc etc.

Any help is massively appreciated not just by me but by the 63 girls that dance for the troupe aswell.

Thank you

Matt

A little about the troupe ⬇️

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Reetwirlers Majorettes are more than just a dance troupe — They are a family.

Based in South Leeds, They are a completely volunteer-led and self-funded group that has been supporting local children and young people since 2007. What started as a small community idea has grown into a thriving troupe of around 63 members — and they are still growing.

From as young as three years old through to adulthood, the dancers are given more than just training. They are given a safe space. A place to belong. A place to build friendships, confidence, and memories that will last a lifetime.

They proudly represent our community at competitions and local galas, and they also spend time entertaining elderly residents in care homes — bringing smiles to faces across generations. Nothing is ever “too much trouble” when it comes to giving back. Every performance, every event, every opportunity is made possible through the dedication and passion of the founding sisters my Wife Rachel and Sister in law Sarah, alongside close friend Lauren and the incredible team of six volunteer trainers who give their time freely. They don’t just teach routines — they mentor, support, encourage, and inspire each and every dancer to believe in themselves.

Training takes place every Tuesday and Thursday, with weekends often filled with competitions and community events.

Behind the scenes, there are countless hours of planning, fundraising, organising, and supporting families involved.

As a self-funded troupe, they rely heavily on sponsorships and fundraising events such as race nights, raffles, and sponsored challenges to keep going. Every penny raised goes directly back into supporting the dancers — covering training venue costs, new uniforms, equipment, and ensuring that no child misses out because of financial barriers.

The funds raised from these two marathons will make a real difference. This will help continue providing a safe, positive space where children and young people in South Leeds can grow in confidence, develop new skills, form lifelong friendships, and achieve incredible things together.

Your support doesn’t just fund a dance troupe. It helps sustain a community, nurture young people, and keep a safe space open for those who need it most.

My own two daughters have been involved in the dance troupe since the age of 2 year old,I also have niece's and other family members that dance and continue to enjoy what the troupe does so for me personally it is quite literally a family dance troupe.

Thank you in advance I really appreciate any donation you are able to give and I know your donation will also be appreciated by every single member of the Reetwirlers family.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Matt