Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My friend VJ Patel tragically died of Covid in October 2021.  VJ was a fit man in the prime of his life.  He was a great friend who I first met over 20 years ago through work, a fellow Coventrian, twin and a supporter of Coventry City Football Club we had from the start a great affinity and bond with each other. He was an incredibly warm, engaging and positive person who was always smiling a loving husband to Claire and dad to Ravi and Asha.  Who is sorely missed by all.

As the months have gone by I wanted to do something to remember VJ and thought back to 2017, where we both decided to do an ultra marathon, 100km over 2 days, its called "RACE TO THE STONES".  VJ being the honed athlete arrived fully prepared and ready for the marathon, myself less so!  Come day 2, I was struggling my feet were in a terrible shape and VJ saw immediately I needed a companion to get me through the last 20km and we started to walk together, VJ obviously trying to take my mind off the pain, started to talk and talk, he talked about the meaning of life, faith, spirituality, love, sport, football, cricket, politics he did not stop talking for 4 hours.  He literally talked me into walking the last 20km.  That was VJ always willing to help even if I slowed him down.  He was a person of energy, enthusiasm, courage and integrity.  I was so glad to have had this one on one time with him and little did I know that this time with my friend would be so significant.

So on the 8/9th July 2022 I am going to do the 100km, Race to the Stones, by myself this time in memory of my friend VJ and for the charity he supported Sport 4 Life UK.

Sport 4 life gives young people the life skills needed to move into education, training and employment through sports themed personal development services.  

I have been putting in a lot of training this time and hope to make VJ proud.

Remember to cherish all the time you have with your loved ones and tell them that you love them as you never know when you won't be able to anymore.

I realise times are tough financially at the moment but please if anyone can make a donation however big or small I would be very grateful.

Thank you for reading,

Steve 

xxx