I'm new to this running thing. Until recently, the furthest I'd run in my life was a couple of laps of the school field during PE lessons. And that was most definitely not my idea.

Then parkrun turned up and I found myself doing the occasional 5k run/walk/mutter on a Saturday morning. Then, in summer 2018 I noticed I was actually improving. Getting further each time before finding I needed to walk. Then, amazingly, running the full 5k without a walk break at all.

That night called for a few celebratory glasses of wine, but it helped me realise I now had the potential to do something worthwhile. Maybe it was my new-found running confidence, maybe it was the wine, but that night I entered my first 10k. Then within a couple of weeks, before even running the 10k, I'd entered the HASTINGS Half Marathon. And even more ridiculously, later decided to run the EASTBOURNE Half Marathon during the same month. Wine has a lot to answer for...

Then, I made a determined and sober decision. Through my wife, Ang, I know what a difference International Animal Rescue is making in rescuing animals from human insolence and stupidity. Rescuing Orangutans in Indonesia, bears used for entertainment in Armenia and India, Slow Loris and Macaque suffering in the illegal wildlife trade, Howler monkeys dying on electric fences in Costa Rica, preventing the shooting of migrating birds in Malta, and improving the welfare of stray cats.

After watching a pre-release copy of very uplifting and rightfully proud video of IAR's work over 2018, I decided to also run the BRIGHTON marathon in April to raise money for such a good cause.

https://www.facebook.com/internationalanimalrescue/videos/228192261414893/

So here I am. Maybe I've done something silly by committing to tackle two 2 hour runs in icy March on windy sea fronts. One with ridiculous gradients to run up almost straight from the starting pistol... with my boss. And 3 weeks later I will tackle 26.2 miles over 4 hours around Brighton.

So, please help me to use this effort to make a difference where it's needed.

At International Animal Rescue (IAR) they do exactly what their name says – they save animals from suffering around the world. They cut free and care for dancing bears in India, rescue orangutans and other primates from traffickers in Indonesia and treat stray dogs and cats in developing countries. And much more besides. Whenever they can they release animals back into the wild. And when that’s not possible, they give them a safe haven for life.

Their work is funded entirely by public donations. Your support is vital if we are to make a lasting difference to animals' lives. By choosing to support them, you become a part of something incredible, part of an end to animal suffering, part of the solution.

Thank you so much for any donation you're willing to make.

Eastbourne Half Marathon, 3rd March 2019

Hastings Half Marathon, 24th March 2019

Brighton Marathon, 14th April 2019


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