In September whilst visiting Nice I got the opportunity to watch the Ironman 70.3 World Championship.  Whilst watching, 10 men took to the stage with disabilities.  They set off to complete the first stage and this got me thinking .... how can these amazing people complete such an incredible challenge and I am sitting on my lazy ass, drinking beer and eating McDonald’s?  So I decided to set myself a challenge to complete various events* at the beginning of this year which will lead to my main challenge event on Sunday 26^th April, when I take part in the Marbella 70.3 Ironman for the fantastic Lord Taverners charity  www.lordstaverers.org

The main reason why I chose the Lord Taverners came from a fundraising event I attended back in November at Chelmsford City Racecourse.  I was able to see the amazing opportunities that the Lord Taverners charity give to disadvantaged and disabled young people across the UK.  The charity understands the massive potential sport has to encourage young people of all abilities to get out, keep fit and be part of a team.   They give young people the chance to encounter different sporting activities and feel like a normal child, and this happens due to the money being raised through different fundraising events and corporate sponsorship, something I want to engage in and be part of.  The charity works across the UK and beyond (including my home town Essex) to ensure that disadvantaged and disabled young people have access to free sport and all the benefits it can bring by donating sports equipment, specially adapted minibuses, sports wheelchairs, sensory and outdoor play equipment and so much more, including sports programmes including Wicketz and Disability Cricket (Super 1’s & Table Cricket).  The Lord’s Taverners also offers funding for GB Wheelchair Basketball and GB Wheelchair rugby.

During my hockey career, my parents always told me to give back, which I did by supporting and coaching various schools, clubs and up to Essex county.  Helping support kids in my local area, helping them find their dreams and develop, not just with sporting skills but also various skills which they can use in every aspect of their lives.  Being a part of the Lord Taverners is giving me the chance to help and support young people and make a really difference and change to the next generation of amazing people.

This is the first time in my life I have ever attempted anything like this.  During this ongoing journey I have been broken by many things I never thought I could complete, but knowing the difference that the money raised can make, will drive me to keep going.  I want to be part of a movement that ensures every kid has the same opportunity that was given to me by my parents, and the people who gave up their time to coach and support me through every stage of my life.

*Details of my events leading up to the big one in Marbella;

• ·         Colchester Half Marathon – Sunday 29th March
•           Thetford 100 Mile Road Race – Saturday 18th April
• ·         Ironman Marbella 70.3 - 26th April

For more information about the charity, please take a look at the most recent Impact report and charity video.

Scroll down to the bottom of the home page to watch 2019 charity video:  https://www.lordstaverners.org