*** Update: Due to 2020 not planning out how anyone expected, the London Marathon taking place in London has been cancelled this year and my place will now be deferred to either Oct 21/ Apr 22/ Apr 23, and is being replaced with a virtual marathon. Due to the number of great people that have already donated, I have committed to running the 'Virtual' London Marathon on Sunday 4th October 2020 around Weymouth whilst I wait to run the actual event. I am so grateful for all the donations so far, please continue to share and spread the word - this cause means so much to me and my family ***

I have been lucky enough to gain a ballot entry into the London Marathon in April 2020 and want to use this opportunity to raise money for a subject that has had a huge impact on both mine and Lauren’s (my wife!) lives.

Lauren and I struggled to conceive for over 3 years but were fortunate that our 2nd ICSI attempt was successful. Our amazing Dottie was born in Janaury 2020.

When you start trying  to conceive you imagine it will just happen. You don’t ever think about potential issues or complications. The number of doctors / consultation appointments, invasive procedures, injections, symptoms and negative pregnancy test results take over your life. On top of all this the pain, heartache, mental and emotional torture impacts on your day to day life. Living with fertility issues and a diminishing hope really affects couples and their mental health.

I have so much admiration, love and pride for my wife with everything she has been through to get us to this point...she has shown she is stronger than anyone I know...so if she can do that then I should be able to take on a challenge like running the marathon.

People lucky enough to not go through fertility issues will never know how questions & comments such as ‘when are you having kids?’, ‘you will be next!’ or ‘think positive thoughts’ hurt inside when it is all you want but not that simple. That is why I want to fund raise for Babble Giving.

Babble Giving provide support and guidance to those experiencing fertility issues and can offer the gift of financial aid. Not only that but they are striving to raise awareness and to get people talking about a subject that people find difficult to talk about. Support can make a huge difference in someone’s struggles.

Thank you for taking the time to read my page. I would be grateful for any donation you can make, however small. But if you can’t, I am just glad you have taken the time to read this which will help to spread awareness around this difficult and taboo subject.