Important Note: I am also completing the Tough Mudder 15km to fundraise for Save the Children. 

I have hit my fundraising target for WaterAid, therefore please donate via this link instead: 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/luke-maynard2?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=luke-maynard2&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=23e4a67cc0d24e97a2aa7bec81bd8a85

Thanks :)

Hi everyone, 

I'm super excited to be running the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise money for WaterAid. 1.42 billion people (of which 450 million are children) live in areas of high or extremely high water vulnerability*, which poses a significant threat to their health and quality of life. The situation is worsening too, with climate change increasing the frequency and severity of disasters related to water scarcity such as the ongoing East Africa Food Crisis. WaterAid work across the world to address these issues, providing clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene for those living in rural and empoverished areas. My fundraising goal (which I hope to smash...) is £371, which is the cost of a toolkit to maintain a village water point in Nepal, providing an essential service to a rural community. 

My history of running is not impressive. I hated doing it during primary and secondary school, knowing I'd be singled out as the chubby asthmatic kid who'd go bright red. I've learned to appreciate it since then, and running has become a coping mechanism for when I'm anxious. I'd like to take it (a lot) further now and see if I can push myself to achieve something to really be proud of, and do it for an amazing cause that I believe in. 

I hope you'll support me by giving what you can to this amazing charity! My friend Liv is also running the race and we're supporting each other through training - she's fundraising for the Institute of Cancer Research - donate here (https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/olivia-chessell?utm_source=sms&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=olivia-chessell&utm_campaign=pfp-sms&utm_term=c1fd8c221cc84233b0ee8988f470bf1f). We will also be posting our training journey on Instagram: @liv_and_luke_go_running - follow for good vibes and maybe a few running puns if you're lucky ;)

Thank you so much for your support!

Luke

*UNICEF 2021