Hey all! 

As you know, last year I ran the London Marathon, after what had been a turbulent year. To run the Marathon and to raise money for Spinal Injuries Scotland - as I did thanks to all of you - was a catalyst to feeling greater self worth and hope for the future. Since then, things have been on the up for me personally, and I feel so privileged and forever thankful. 

However, despite the upturn in my own life, I remain aware of the sheer equality and hardships that exist worldwide. In many cases and places, things seem to be getting sadly worse. 

The war in Ukraine, the many human rights violations in the Middle East and beyond, the loss of basic needs in even the most 'westernised' of countries... the world appears more conflicted than ever before. And we all have to stand up to try and enforce positive change. 

That's where you and I come in, and that's why I am proud to be running this year's London Marathon for Amnesty International. 

Amnesty International is a movement of ordinary people from across the world standing up for humanity and human rights. When injustice happens to one person, it happens to us all. Recent campaigns include refugee and migrant rights, climate change, children's rights, women's rights, Syrian conflict and LGBTI rights. Amnesty's biggest achievements include outlawing torture, holding war criminals to account and controlling the arms trade. Your support is of significant value - only together can we continue to make a difference.

It has been agreed that anything pledged with your recorded name will be funds-matched by my employer. So please: be as giving and as charitable as you can again, and let's raise funds for those without a voice to be given the tools to shout back. 

Sending much love and thanks to you all for the contributions given and made, it'll make all the training worthwhile!

Thanks,

Matt xxx