Just over a year ago I ran my first marathon to raise money for small grass roots children charity - Community Center called Suncokret (Croatian for Sunflower) Centre for Community Development and Kids Earth Fund and have since ran 13 marathons. The Suncokret Centre was established in response to the psycho-social needs of a post-war rural and isolated community, addressing negative psychological, social and cultural consequences of the social upheavals in the region, promoting social inclusion and improving quality of life.

In the last couple of years Maja and Starac (The charity chairs) have struggled to keep this organisation going as grants have dried up. As a result of this they themselves are no longer employed at Suncokret as any hours they commit is voluntary. Once more I want to support them as they do such great work with the children. They treat the children like their own, nurturing many from a young age and providing financial support to allow them to take part in educational after-school programmes. The Centre’s existence depends very much on grants and contributions from volunteers so I hope I am able to reach my fundraising target to help it continue to make that little difference

This is my challenge! Starting January 2018 I will undertake my first ULTRA MARATHON which will then be followed by 3 massive runs around March time. The dates are as follows:

Jan 13th - Country to Capital - 45 miles/72km

March 10th - Chester Ultra - 52 miles/83km

March 25th - Manchester Canathlon 60 miles/80km

April 2nd - Liverpool to Manchester - 50 miles/80km

Despite having moved to a new city for my first nursing job I will have to devote a tremendous amount of time to train for these events as I am no condition to even consider one just now. I will post updates every few weeks to evidence this.

To help me prepare for this I will also be taking part in the London Santa Dash (December 3rd) and Pisa Marathon in Italy (December 16th). Ssoooo once more I ask you to put your hands in your pockets and dig deep for this great charity. For every £10 raised I will contribute £1 of my own money.

Thanks in advance

Marty :D :D:D