Thanks for taking the time to read this story. 

When I joined the teaching profession 16 years ago, I was lucky enough to have Clare Carpenter (Nee Barron) as my mentor! We have become great friends over the years and taught together in Physical Education for 10 years before we professionally moved roles.

Clare has been diagnosed with Breast cancer, I am reaching out for some support for her, and motivation for her as the treatment goes on...Clare is a tremendously supporting person, kind and generous, who is the first to support anyone in any situation and always the first to raise money for charity for anyone in need! She is a real superstar, has a huge following of family and friends and colleagues (past and present) a mother to little Elin (who has already been raising money for her Mum), so please help me raise as much money as possible that can help support on her journey.

Myself and Sonnie have entered the Gold Cup (an event where the aim is to break the world record in the relevant age and body weight category), it's to be held over in Belfast on the 6th November, ran by the organisation IAWA (International Allround Weightlifting Association) where we will both aim to train and break the world records in the following:

Sonnie- 'The half Gardner' an old time lift that was resubmitted to the organisation by my Dad, hence the name (the 'half' is holding the bar horizontal above the head from a standing position, to lying down)

Me- 'The Full Gardner' (as above but once lying down, you have to get back up)

Sonnies second lift will be the 2inch vertical bar lift and mine will be an old favourite called the shoulder drop. (I will try to source some old videos)

All donations will go direct to the charity, please help support and many thanks for taking the time to read.