*** UPDATE***

So I gave it my best shot but unfortunately had to admit defeat at 21 miles / 35 km (47,178 steps!!!). My feet are blistered all over and my legs and knees are aching. Im happy with my acheivement though and can confidently say I pushed myself to the limit.

** Background **

Hi I am Rob. Im 34 years old from Birmingham. I got married to my wife Rosie June 19th 2021. We have 3 children Josh (15), Ava (8) and Zoe (6 months). Rosie has a condition called Fibromyalgia which is chronic pain and fatigue. This brings its own challenges and I am so proud of how well she handles it, shes certainly stronger than me. It does however leave me taking a very hands on role to parenting as you can imagine and there are sacrifices we have to make on a daily basis to adapt. 

1 in 10 women suffer with Post Natal Depression and often the focus is on the mother. Rosie was one of these brave women, she did all she could to get the help he needed and has made a full recovery. Unfortunately, so often, dads need additional help with supporting their partners through this and can find their own mental health needs put on the back burner. However, I found a charity called Acacia. They have recognised the needs of a father and im incredibly grateful for this and all they have done for my family, myself and thousands of other men in the city.

Our relationship with Jesus is key to our healing process and so faithful in providing for all our needs (Matthew 10:29-31). I believe that God has positioned Acacia to support us through this and I want to fundraise so they can continue to provide such a fantastic service and support more families. 

We have learnt so much about ourselves and this journey has made us so much stronger (Romans 5:3-5). If you would like to hear more on how God is moving in our lives and what he can do for you then I'd be delighted to share more. 

**Notes from the Charity **

Please support me as I tackle **MY FIRST** whopping 26.2 miles as part of the Virtual London Marathon, all to raise money for the vital work of Acacia Family Support!Acacia offers help to mums and families who are suffering from pre and post-natal depression and anxiety. We offer support through one-to-one befriending, group work sessions using CBT, telephone support and help in the home.Here is a quote from one of our mums who used our service:I owe Acacia my life, as without them I dont think I would have coped. By sharing my feelings and thoughts, I wasnt alone. Acacia was the best thing that happened to me and I truly thank them from the bottom of my heart. They gave me my life back.£10 pays for a mum or dad to receive telephone support£25 pays for a family to receive some practical support at home. £50 pays for a mum or dad to receive some one-to-one befriending sessions.£100 pays for a mum to attend a group work course£250 pays for a mum's entire journey with Acacia.