Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Last summer, I made a life-changing decision to quit smoking ahead of my 50th birthday. To ensure I stayed committed, I signed up for the adidas Manchester Marathon on 19th April 2026. After years of minimal running, apart from the occasional park run, I found myself at the beginning of March, three months into my training. I just completed my first 20km run in 2.5 hours, and I'm aiming for a marathon finish time of around five hours—what an adventure!

Two years ago, a group of us learned that St Albans Mencap was at risk of being wound up due to financial and administrative challenges. We stepped in to enhance governance and financial stability, but now we urgently need funds to support the charity in overcoming its deficit and growing once again. As government support diminishes, the burden on charities like St Albans Mencap is increasing.

St Albans Mencap runs vital services such as the SNAP programme and the Trinity Community Service. These initiatives provide inclusive play, activities, and short breaks for children with additional needs while supporting adults with learning disabilities in building independence and meaningful connections within their community. Together, these services offer practical support and foster a strong sense of belonging for individuals who often face isolation.

Like many local charities, St Albans Mencap is currently facing mounting challenges due to reduced government funding at a time when demand for services continues to grow. This is why community fundraising and partnerships are becoming increasingly important in allowing us to continue delivering these essential services.

I am asking for your support in helping us reach our target of £5,000. Your generous contributions will make a significant difference in ensuring that St Albans Mencap can continue its vital work and expand its reach within our community.