I've always enjoyed staying fit. Unfortunately accidents and injuries put paid to running and football many years ago now. 

Six years ago though I decided to build the discipline of regular exercise back into my life to help with mind body and soul. It has been crucial in helping me stay focussed to see through all the different responsibilities I have at Zac's Place and elsewhere. Despite getting fitter, I never thought I'd be running again though! 

It's about 15 years since I last ran a 10k and since then I've had five orthopaedic surgeries including three on my knees in that time. Last year despite being reasonably fit, I started to struggle for breath. I was finally diagnosed with asthma and needed to lose some weight. A strict diet has followed and I've continued to build up core strength to support my dodgy back and dodgy knees and I think I've got one more short run in me! 

I've given the knees a re-grease and the back is holding up. I'll be no where near my old pace of running 10 miles in an hour when I was a teenager, but if I can manage 10 kilometres in an hour I'll be very happy! I'm not promising there'll be any more after this one though, but you never know!

We've just launched the 'One More Mile' campaign for Zac's Place because we really want to crack on and get the venue renovated and create options for facilitating more avenues of supporting others in our community. I figure if I'm wanting others to dig in and support us, I'd better kick things off! 

If for any reason I get clobbered with covid or isolation, (or injury!), on the date of the event and can't run, I'll run the course as soon as possible afterwards.

Read the main page for more info, or the website. But I never cease to be amazed by the determination and fight to carry on from many of those we meet at Zac's Place. Despite deep trauma, baggage that seems impossible to carry and the legacy of trying to block out the pain in all manner of ways – many find just about enough strength to keep on going, for one more mile, for one more day. Will you join me to help support us and others we partner with, in sharing the journey with them so they do not travel alone and look out for those who just can't go on?

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For many years Zac's Place has made an important contribution to the lives of many vulnerable people in the community of Swansea.

This campaign will not just help Zac's Place maintain its efforts including throughout the legacy of the Covid pandemic, during which it has maintained continuous frontline support and food provision, it will help secure essential support to plan for future development. Will you join us as we go 'one more mile' for Zac's Place to help them to continue to share the journey alongside others who are struggling?

"For some people Zac’s Place is the only safe haven in their lives. Here they find help, the love and support of others and, importantly, acceptance of who they are and the life that they are leading. It may not seem much, but for many, it is a lifeline.”       Janet Keauffling RGN, MSc, QN, MBE  (NHS Nurse for the Homeless and Vulnerable Adults)