Over the past 10 weeks, I’ve worked hard and gone from 15 stone 7 to 12 stone 11. Before this, I hadn’t done any real physical exercise for the past six years. When I started running, I could barely manage 60 seconds without struggling for breath. But I kept going. I’ve now completed the Couch to 5K, and I’m working towards running a 5K in under 30 minutes. I’ve signed up for my first official race, the East Coast 5K, and this is just the beginning.

I plan to run the Hull, Lincoln, York, and Scarborough 10Ks next year. After that, my long-term goal is to run a half marathon and, one day, a full marathon. But this journey isn’t just about running or fitness. This is about something much more important to me.

I’m running for my son, Izaak. He’s 10 years old and lives with Tourette Syndrome. Every day he faces difficult challenges that most people never see. His tics, intrusive thoughts, and strong emotions are a big part of his life, and it’s not easy. On top of this, he’s just trying to grow up, go to school, and enjoy his childhood in a world that often doesn’t understand him.

Some days are really hard for Izaak. Some days he has to hold everything in at school, only to come home and where he feels safe and share his struggles from the day. As his dad, I would take this away from him if I could. I can’t, but what I can do is show him what it looks like to keep going, to work hard, and to never give up when life is difficult.

I’m running to raise £500 for TIC Yorkshire, an incredible charity that has supported Izaak and our family through some of the hardest times. They have helped us understand Tourette’s and have been there to support us as we navigate the complex challenges of school life, daily routines, and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with raising a child with neurodiversity. Their support has been life-changing for us and more importantly for Izaak.

TIC Yorkshire is a small charity that receives no government funding and no official financial support. They survive purely on donations, fundraising, and the kindness and hard work of their staff team, who give up their time to volunteer and deliver this extremely valuable service to families like mine. Without them, many families would have nowhere to turn.

To get things started, I’ve donated £50 to kick off the fundraising, and I’ve covered the cost of my own race entry and the equipment needed (I now have all the gear and some idea!). I’m fully committed, but I can’t reach the £500 target without your help.

If you can donate, you won’t just be supporting me. You’ll be standing with my son, Izaak. You’ll be helping other children who are facing big challenges every day. You’ll be helping keep this brilliant charity running so they can continue to support families who really need them.

This is just the start for me. I’m not stopping here. I’m pushing forward to run further, to take on bigger races, and to keep showing Izaak that we don’t quit when life gets tough, we keep moving so he continues to be the strong, resilient young man he is.

Thank you so much for your support. It really does mean the world to us.