Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. This year I am facing my first 26.2 mile marathon race around our home city of London for the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS). Before I take on this challenge I will also be running the Herts and Hampton Court half marathons and also completed the Windsor Half in September as a healthy warm up. 

Since my mum became a Headteacher of Knightsfield School for Deaf I have been made increasingly aware that deaf children need a lot of support. This support is not only important to children with hearing disabilities through a great education system but also in realising their aspirations and helping to recognise their capabilities to help raise their self-esteem.

NDCS is an incredibly supportive charity not only for deaf children but also for their families and loved ones. They help create time for specific advice and guidance to parents to ensure their children have fun and healthy friendships/relationships with their peers. Communication cannot be  easy, nor natural for deaf children and the NDCS creates new and diverse opportunities both communally and individually for children across the nation. I know how much NDCS helps first-hand at my mum's school and I want to help make a difference for as many other children as possible.

Without the right support, deaf children and young people are vulnerable to isolation, abuse, bullying, poor self-esteem and low levels of achievement. The NDCS helps with communication, access to information and influence globally by an appropriate method albeit through sign language, oral communication or a combination of approaches.

Together with NDCS I want to help overcome the social and educational barriers that hold deaf children back and help their earlier years to become easier. Please help me by sponsoring me as much or as little as you can - any contribution will make such a difference, so I would be grateful for all.

I can't wait to see the benefits of everyone's support... and the finish line on Sunday 22nd April!!

Thank you.

Sarah. X