For the first time, I am taking on the  annual Marathon March of CPFC fans to raise money in support of the 'Palace for Life Foundation'.

However, because I can NOT be in south London itself for the 6th official 26.2 mile Marathon March, on September 24, I will be doing my OWN Marathon March at the 8th annual Cat's Tail Trail Marathon in the Catskill Mountains of New York State a week later, on Saturday October 1. I usually run this race, but in 2022, in support of the Marathon March, I will be walking/hiking it instead. The catch is that I need to finish within the cut-off time of 10 hours. This means an average pace of under 23 minutes per mile, which will put me well outside my comfort zone and require considerable effort, given that the course has 7000ft of elevation gain (and descent) over its highly technical 26+ mile course, including 4 of the Catskills' 3500ft+ peaks.

Still, I have never posted a DNF (Did Not Finish) on any previous race, short or long, and do not plan to do so on this, my first sponsored event since a similarly long walk through South London as an 11-year old. So, please consider a donation - or consider pledging one - to spur me on to this difficult goal. 

What is Palace for Life and why is it needed? Well, I grew up in south London in the 1970s and 80s, and if it was tough back then, it's a lot tougher now; unfortunately, crime and poverty abound. Palace for Life uses the power of sport to change the lives of young people within the neighboring community, particularly the most hard-to-reach and hard-to-help. The Foundation works in schools and the community, with extra focus on those not in education, training or employment, those caught up in the criminal justice system and those with disabilities, physical and mental health challenges. (The picture here is of the Downs Syndrome team alongside members of the first team squad and coach Patrick Vieira.)

Your donations will directly support the work of Palace For Life and make a real impact, for real people, in the area I called home throughout my childhood and youth.

And while the Palace for Life Foundation is part of Crystal Palace FC, the club I have loved and followed all my life, I do hope you will support my Marathon March regardless of your sporting allegiance - and if that just means a message of 'Good Luck' given that times are tight for all of us, that is fine too! I am proud of my club and its work within the community that surrounds it, and I thank you in advance for your support. 

Tony Fletcher