Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

I would like to start by telling you why I decided to take up this challenge and why I have chosen to raise money for Get Kids Going.

I decided to take up this challenge because up until 2001 I was actively involved in sport spending most of my time running, playing cricket, rugby and going to the gym. In 2001 I started getting severe stomach pains which eventually stopped me from playing sport and doing the things I loved to do. I went to the Doctor and I was given course upon course of medication to relieve stomach ulcers and numerous other ailments. Unfortunately, nothing seemed to work and eventually I stopped going to the Doctor. The stomach pains persisted for about two years and I picked up aproximately 20 kilograms in weight. Everyday was a struggle, having these severe stomach pains and not knowing what was wrong with me.

It was in 2003, when I was searching the internet, I found some information on coeliacs disease and my symptoms were very similiar to those attached to this disease. The website gave a list of foods to avoid and the most important ingredient was gluten (wheat). I cut out all gluten from my diet but the pains persisted. I revisited the site and another important ingredient to avoid was dairy. I cut out wheat and dairy from my diet and at long last, after two years, I started to show signs of recovery.

I went back to the Doctors to see if I could get my condition diagnosed but after a few blood tests they were still unable to give me a conclusive diagnosis. This mystery has surronded my life for a number of years now and all I have learnt is, I need to avoid wheat or gluten products. Luckily, I was able to reintroduce dairy products back into my diet but not so lucky with wheat.

For the last 6 years, I have struggled to muster up the motivation to get back into sport, apart from the odd trip to the gym or a run around the block, but I believe the opportunity of running the New York Marathon is a great chance for me to change my life and hopefully the life of a disabled child.

I have chosen to raise money for Get Kids Going! as they help disabled children get into sport. I have two young children and I often forget how fortunate I am that they are able to run around and play without even thinking about it. These are some of the simple things that a number of us take for granted. There are over 200 thousand disabled children and young people, in Britian, who need the help of Get Kids Going! and I would like to try and make a difference to one of their lives.

Get Kids Going! provide children and young people, up to the age of 26, with the opportunity to participate in sport. They provide specially built sports wheelchairs so they can do marathons, triathlons, tennis, athletics, rugby and the list continues. Get Kids Going! also provide personalised manual wheelchairs for children to use everyday; at home, at school and to enable them to play with their friends.

A sports wheelchairs costs in the region of £3000 and a manual wheelchair around £2500. This is why I have pledged to raise £3000 for Get Kids Going! so hopefully I will be able to put a smile on one child or young persons face.

This is where your help will be greatly appreciated as I cannot do it alone.

If you would like to sponsor me, to do the New York Marathon, please just click on the "Donate Now" button. Any donations, no matter how big or how small will be greatly appreciated as they all add up. If you have a friend or a family member who may be interested in contributing, I would greatly appreciate it if you could please point them in the direction of my fundraising site.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Get Kids Going! gets your money faster and, if  you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my site and read my story.

"Let's make a BIG difference together, so please sponsor me now!"