I only applied for the London Marathon (after a lot of persuasion from a colleague) because I didn't expect to get a place.  Imagine my surprise when the 'Congratulations' magazine landed on my doorstep, then my excitement at the thought of crossing the finish line in front of huge crowds at a prestigious event, and then my heart sinking at the thought of training through the winter in the cold, rainy, dark streets of Sutton...

 

After I stopped crying and realised I should feel lucky to get a place (naturally my colleague didn't get in) my thoughts turned to a charity I should run for.  I wanted to run for a charity that will put any money raised to good use, where the money doesn’t just disappear into a big pot and my sponsors know their money has made a difference. So I am running for ‘maps’, a small charity project based in Sutton who provide essential mentoring support to kids and young people (10-21yrs) who, for many different reasons, are going through a tough time. 

 

Mentoring is one individual supporting another, usually meeting for an hour every week, building up a trusting relationship and motivating, encouraging mentees and reminding them that life can be fun and positive. This mentoring can help young people to develop their social and/or academic skills and to become more motivated. It can also help to prevent exclusion, raise aspirations and develop basic life and employability skills to ensure a positive future.

 

Money raised will go towards mentor/mentee activities such as bowling, meals, coffee, indoor climbing, window shopping; when the important listening, discussions and mentoring happens.  Also trips (Chessington World of Adventures, theatre trips, cooking lessons etc) that the kids/young people might not otherwise have access to and training new mentors.

 

The Maps project is run by an incredibly professional, enthusiastic team and is part of Sutton Volunteer Centre.  More info can be found here: http://www.vcsutton.org.uk/02/06/index.htm

 

As for my training, it has been sooo hard, I’m not a natural runner and my legs are far too short! My legs hurt all the time and I’m suffering from runners’ knee, trapped nerves (my foot goes numb when running), shooting calf pains, blisters; and I’m bored of spending all weekend eating pasta and running.  My poor friends and family have stopped asking ‘how’s the training going’ for fear of having to listen to a ten minute moaning monologue.. 

 

Anyway, luckily I have an incredibly worthwhile cause to run for and it will all be worth it when I cross the finish line (hopefully in four and a half hours). So please do sponsor me, it’s an amazing charity and deserves your support.

 

Maps (mentoring & peer support) are always looking for willing volunteers to become mentors so if you are interested (if I can do it then so can you) contact them, or me, to find out more.

 

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