Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. 

I am delighted and thrilled to be able to participate in the first post-lockdown London marathon, to raise money for REACH! 

REACH is the leading charity providing support and information to parents and their children affected by upper limb difference. It is a friendly, caring place offering fun activities to encourage Reach children to aim higher.

I was inspired to run for REACH by Ruth Lester who has given 30 years service as a consultant plastic surgeon, to children and their families. She now dedicates her time and skills acquired to offer continuing support for children and families in a different way.

She has served for the last 5 years as a trustee of the charity having retired from active surgical practice. As well as being an inspiration to others, Ruth is firstly close family to myself, and beyond that a dear friend.

I hope to inspire others who may need to recover their physical and mental health after this trying year!

Being fit has always been my favoured antidote for a healthy body and mind. When I turned 40, it became clear that things could go 2 distinct ways. Instead of hanging up my sports shoes I chose to push myself and test my physical limits by participating in long distance running and mixed martial arts. I have run 3 official marathons, including the London marathon in 2013 and 2014, and Antwerp 2019 as well as several ultra marathons in various locations in the UK and around the world. I soon realised that fitness is not just for young people; in fact your endurance can increase and you can become greater with age. 

It's sounds like cliché to re-iterate that it's all in the mind - but it is! In stretching myself to achieve painful goals I understood how those who are born without something, still find it within them to push themselves to excel, without being defeated at the first hurdle by what some consider to be deficiencies.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.