I first met SportsAid two years ago through a work event, when we took part in SportsAid Week 2019. It was the first time I had heard about a charity that supports young Athletes and Para Athletes, in a stage in their career when their only sponsor is “The Bank of Mum and Dad”. 

A few months after the event, some of their Para Athletes visited our office. After getting to know them, I realised how hard they work and how focused they are, which was truly inspiring and is something that should be a life lesson for us all.

Each year, SportsAid supports around 1,000 young athletes aged 12 to 18 – this is often the first recognition an athlete receives from outside their support network, and SportsAid is the only national charity of its kind!

With the end of UK COVID restrictions in sight, I started looking for outdoor events to blow off the lockdown cobwebs, challenge myself and get rid of my new baby dad bod, but mainly to support and fundraise for a cause that reflected my life goals and beliefs.

I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to make a difference in these young athletes' lives, particularly this year during a global pandemic which has challenged us all in so many ways.