Hello!

Thanks for sponsoring me. I'm raising money for my brother's charity Future Academy, which is an English school and football academy for refugees in Beirut, Lebanon. I'm a trustee of the charity and want to support the great work Chris and the team are doing. 

This year we're raising money to put on a girls' English class. Although all our sessions are open to both girls and boys, in practice 95% of students are male. Female students tend to be younger siblings of existing male students or the daughters of our local staff team. Currently only 27% of female refugees complete secondary school (source: UNHCR 2022) so a dedicated girls' class is such a worthwhile venture and investment. 

Check out www.future-academy.net for more details. 

On a personal note, I've only ever run 10k once in my life 4 years ago, and have always wanted to take on the challenge of a half marathon. And obviously, the Royal Parks half is the perfect course for someone like me.