Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In October I will be running the Manchester Half Marathon in aid of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

A number of years ago I was lucky enough to be a beneficiary of this charity, who helped me with my educational needs through University.  Without this assistance my access to further education would have been severely hampered, and accordingly I am eternally grateful for all the RAF BF did to assist me, now working in an educational setting my gratitude is reinforced daily. As well as receiving financial support from the RAF BF, I know a number of ex-RAF servicemen, notably, my better half. 

The RAF BF is a charity which aims to help those who have served in the RAF as well as their families. For me, they provided financial assistance in order that I could purchase my books and other relevant course materials. However, for some families the assistance the RAF BF offers can instead be time in a respite center for recuperation, or assisting our veterans in finding new careers after their service.

I would really love to be able to raise £100 per mile for our wonderful service men and women, both past and present, and their families. I feel its the least I can give back to those who give so much to use each and every day. With this in mind, I have set my fundraising target at £1,300.

Whilst a half marathon may seem a small feat to some, it's worth pointing out that I haven't performed any meaningful amount of exercise since my first year of University (2011) due to an injury and cake (well... let's be honest mostly cake). Therefore, it's safe to say I am currently incredibly unfit and this will be a big challenge for me.

Not only am I aiming to complete the whole course, but I am aiming to do this in 2 hours and 15 mins. All contributions made to the RAF BF will not only help spur me on  but also provide life changing help to families. Every penny raised will help in one way or another, such as the examples below:

• £30 can help top up a veterans care fees for the week,
• £60 pays for a veteran to use an electrical powered scooter for a month,
• £85 helps a World War Two veteran buy clothes and shoes,
• £400 pays for a respite break for veterans,
• £1,000 can pay for a stair lift for elderly or injured veterans.

Your donations are greatly appreciated, and over the coming months I will be updating this page with my progress towards the event. Thanks!