This year I decided to set myself a challenge and a goal to do something for Children in Need.

That goal was to run a total of 500 miles between mid-March and end of November 2016. Each run will be of varying distances and will be verified by my Forerunner device and recorded on my JustGiving and social media pages. 

Having completed my challenge a month and a half ahead of schedule, I have decided to extend my running target by another 40 miles and will complete these miles between 17 October and 18 November (the day of the Children in Need appeal). 

For someone who had never ran a full marathon before 2016 and only took up running in March 2015, it was a daunting challenge. However I was really determined to complete this challenge and want to continue to raise as much money as I can for Children in Need and help disadvantaged children in the UK to better their lives and hopefully achieve their ambitions in life.

Your donation can help change and improve the lives of young people and bring a smile to their face. Children may have a disability, but that shouldn’t stop them from going onto succeed in life. It is my belief that if one works hard, believes in yourself, has the confidence and the determination, one can achieve a great deal in life – no one should be afraid to follow their dreams. 

2015 was a tough year for my family due to illnesses and was a real eye opener. What it did do though, was bring us closer and made us stronger as a family. We were fortunate that we were able to pull through these difficult times. However not everyone is fortunate and this was apparent when visiting in hospital/s. Money that I raise will go towards what I hope will be a very gigantic total on the night. I am very thankful and lucky to have had the support that my family have given me through the years and want to make them prouder.

Another reason for the challenge is in memory of Sir Terry Wogan. I’m sure I do not need to mention how instrumental Sir Terry was for Children in Need. He was an inspiration for me and many people out there. Whenever I heard him on the radio or saw him presenting Children in Need, he was always very professional and endlessly brought a smile to my face and will be missed very much this year. I hope I can bring a smile to Sir Terry’s Face, wherever he may be, by raising a lot of money for Children in Need.

There are many other reasons for wanting to take on this challenge, but the three highlighted are the main reasons why I have now decided to extend my 500 mile challenge to 540 miles for Children in Need.

Please donate generously. Every penny and pound donated will go towards projects nationally to help children build better lives. It will also help children to achieve their potential and turn their dreams into reality. Please help make a difference. Thank You. 

You can also follow me on Twitter - @Baggies20