UPDATE:

Due to the cancellation of the London Marathon 2020, and whist we are awaiting confirmation of which year (2021 - hopefully!) we can defer to, we are participating in the Virtual 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon on 4th October 2020 - running 26.2 miles from Southport to Strawberry Field, Liverpool in the interim.

On [April 26, 2020] October 4, 2020 I will be joining #TeamSallyArmy to fundraise specifically for the Salvation Army's Strawberry Field project in Liverpool.  

I am currently employed by the Salvation Army and work as the Volunteer Coordinator for Strawberry Field, which hosts a the Steps to Work programme.  Steps to Work supports young adults (age 18-25) with mild to moderate learning difficulties and other barriers to employment, by providing them with a training programme and work placements, which will lead them to gain meaningful employment.  Currently only 7% of people with learning difficulties are in employment and the Steps to Work programme aims to change this.  

I am a visually impaired (blind) runner and will be supported throughout my training and during the marathon by my guide runner Mike Leatherbarrow. Having a disability myself, I understand only too well the barriers and difficulties people with disabilities and additional needs can face when trying to find employment - and that's why I'm so passionate about fundraising for Salvation Army's Strawberry Field project, because I know that the Steps to Work programme can and will change young lives.

Every donation will help me reach my fundraising target.  Thank you so much for your support.  Kelly