Oxfordshire Youth changed my life at 16, when I lost my foster mum in an accident. Youth work gave me structure, leadership skills, connected me to my local community and inspired me to live a life of service.

23 years later, I am still regularly in awe witnessing the life changing impact of youth work in young people's lives and in our communities.

The statistic which gets me out of bed every morning with energy and fierce determination is that 1 in 6 children are growing up in poverty here in Oxford. How is this conceivable in a place where some of the most wealthy people, educational institutions, and businesses exist and flourish?

Our organisation is driven to end inequality. We are mobilising individuals, businesses, funders and the youth sector to build an Oxfordshire where every young person has the resources they need to thrive and go on to make a meaningful contribution to the world.

Oxfordshire Youth is one of a kind! The team are a group of compassionate, intelligent, fun, funny, determined, strategic, kind, and honest people. We are all relentlessly dedicated to seeing an Oxfordshire free from inequality, where every single child or young person grows up with access to safe spaces, safe adults, and opportunities to develop themselves as leaders of their own lives and in the world.

Training has been HARD, there have been a lot of barriers to break down, in my own mind, and structurally in my life as I navigate single motherhood, being a parent carer to my Type 1 son, a leadership role, and a 6 week summer holiday of logisitical MAYHEM, where time needed to run and build strength was a battle to pin down.

I'm so grateful to everyone who has believed in me, listened to my fears, feelings of doubt, and cheerleaded me through every run to date. Special thanks to Laura and One Track. You got me off the starting block, and showed me in your love and investment that I am capable of becoming someone who runs, someone who is physically strong, and someone who isn't defined by limits. I love you! Your generosity will be really appreciated and I'll make sure to hold all of my supporters in mind as mini cheerleaders as I make my way through the race.

Youth work changes lives, it changed mine, and you can help it change many many more in the months and years to come.

Let's make Oxfordshire a place for all young people to shine.

With Love and A Deep Appreciation,

Exx