I run for my own enjoyment, health and self improvement. I have run casually for fitness for several years but only in October 2011 did I complete my first race. This year having caught the running bug, I am entering several races from 5k to Half Marathon, from small local races to high profile events such as the Great South Run.

My chosen charity is Endometriosis UK. If anybody donates to Endometriosis UK that otherwise would not have done, or becomes more aware of the seriousness of Endometriosis than they would otherwise have been, then it has been worth the time I spent setting up this page.

Running helped me get through 2011, which was the most difficult year of my life so far, due to the physical, mental and emotional suffering that Endometriosis inflicted on my wife and those of us around her. I wish nobody else to go through what we went through, unfortunately the nature of this condition makes it difficult to diagnose due to the wide range of symptoms it can cause, leaving many women putting up with months or years of pain and misdiagnosis until they are lucky enough to get referred to the right specialists.

Even if you are unable or unwilling to donate, please do take a little time to learn a little more about the signs of endometriosis, since one day that knowledge might be invaluable for someone close to you.

Please note that I do not actively fundraise for every race I do - I would not have the time and I would hate to be repeatedly begging people to part with their money just because I'm going about a pastime which I already enjoy. I have played in charity football tournaments before and sang in charity gigs, but directly asking for sponsorship I always find a bit different. Fortunately some people are still generous and/or curious enough to want to know what charity I support though, and that is where this page comes in.

I pay for my own race entries - I'm not planning to apply for charity places as I simply do not think I have it in me to raise the impressive sponsorship totals that some people manage whilst still devoting enough time to work, family and healthy living. Fair play to those people that manage it - to me that is more of a challenge than the running!

Below are the races I am planning on this year, you can keep up with my progress here
http://www.thepowerof10.info/athletes/profile.aspx?athleteid=432775

Eastleigh 10k
Portsmouth Promenade 5k series
Frimley Park 10k *
Alton 10 mile
Botley Wyvern 10k
Victory 5 mile
Swansea Bay 10k
Solent Half Marathon
Great South Run
Lordshill 10 mile
Gosport Half Marathon 

...and many a parkrun in between - www.parkrun.org.uk

* Endometriosis UK is my chosen charity, but the Frimley Park Hospital 'Saving Tiny Lives' Appeal is especially worth a mention - please do read about their fundraising efforts when you have the time: http://www.justgiving.com/STL

Sev.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.