Hi! Thanks for coming to my JustGiving page!

I'm taking part in the Brighton Half Marathon for the Venkat Trust at the end of February 2023. Whilst this feels like a big deal for me anyway (I am NOT a runner!), training and completing the half marathon is a physical and mental battle itself. 

In February 2020 I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The day I was diagnosed I was in so much pain I couldn't stand or walk without help, my hands had seized up and I needed both hands to hold a toothbrush/fork and had been in bed for weeks. 10 months later, after experiencing breathlessness for weeks, I got dizzy and out of breath climbing a few steps. After a visit to A&E, I was diagnosed with asthma. 

Whilst both conditions are mostly under control now (as I type this in January with just 5 weeks to go, I've just recovered from an asthma flare up that halted training), if you had told me back then I would contemplate running 100m, let alone 13.1 miles, I would never have thought it possible. 

And to top it off, a couple of weeks ago I sprained my ankle walking down the street..! At times it has felt like it wasn't meant to be and I'll be honest, I felt like quitting. But, I remember the reason I'm doing this. Aside from what this means to me to achieve this, Venkat Trust changes lives. It's that simple.

Venkat Trust's aim is to see that every child in Kovalam gets an education which enables them to have life changing opportunities and see the end of poverty. For more information on the many things the charity has achieved over it's 18 years, check out Venkat Trust links below. 

I've been so touched learning stories of children in Kovalam who's futures were previously uncertain, now achieving incredible things, working towards futures of promise and opportunity. The ripple effect that has had in the Kovalam community is wonderful and as they say, the future is bright. 

Every little helps towards my goal and the ultimate goal of raising as much as possible for Venkat Trust. I know these are trying times for many but please spare what you can, it means so much. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.