My son Cody is fundraising for The Salvation Army, here is his story:

Hi, my name is Cody and I am 13 years old. I have been kickbocing since I was 6 years old and earlier this year achieved my First Degree Black Belt. To progress to 2nd degree black belt I have to pass 5 different star tests as well as the actual grading. The current star that I am working on is the mental development star and to achieve this I have to organise and take part in a charity challenge for a charity of our choice and raise a minimum of £50 (I hope to raise much more than this, with your help!).

I have decided to do a Run-Row-Ride Triathlon with my kickboxing friend Cameron and we will do this on Thursday 2nd November at The Fitness Factory in Stourbridge.

Cameron and I attend Empower Martial Arts school in Stourbridge and being a black belt means we have to have incredible dedication to becoming the strongest version of ourselves and by completing the Mental Development star test we can show that we can use our strength and determination to help others. Empower Martial Arts School’s mission is to Empower the lives of as many people as possible and we intend to do this with our Triathlon.

Here is some more information about The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is a Christian Church & registered Charity working in 130 countries worldwide and is one of the largest and most diverse providers of social welfare in the world. In the UK and Republic of Ireland this work includes more than 800 Salvation Army social service centres and community churches. We provide unconditional friendship, support and very practical help to people in crisis and need and work with children, homeless people, all adult victims of modern slavery and those dealing with drug and/or alcohol addiction.