After a long period of time off racing, I have been training to run the Great North Run 2022 to support a wonderful local Charity, the Freeman 1st Foundation, which provides financial support to talented young people on our coast who otherwise would not have the financial backing to achieve their goals and dreams. 

Growing up on the coast and having worked in the public sector, the lack of funding for young people across our area was always apparent to me. Wages in the area are well below the national average and seasonal work is the norm for many familes. Often, opportunities are found away from the coast, and many families do not have the means to support their children with the necessary expenses to chase their dreams. I have seen young people with talents in dance, sport, art, drama and science be unable to pursue their talents for this reason. 

The Freeman 1st helps to change lives by empowering young people with a gift for the arts, academia, business or sport to be successful. Without this vital support, these gifts would be lost due to a lack the right support at the right time.