Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page.

Please read my story explaining why I believe this charity is worthy of our support. I also have a top tip that may save your life!

LOOK OUT!!! LOOK OUT BELOW!!!

I heard this warning over 27 years ago during a routine coastguard training exercise when I was abseiling down a cliff face, the cliff top 30 meters above me collapsed with rocks hitting me as they fell past. There I was hanging on my ropes halfway down the cliff, incapacitated, in a lot of pain drifting in and out of consciousness. The rescuer now needed help.

To this day I have one overriding memory of that accident and the six months of recovery that may surprise you.

My colleague Dave bravely abseiled down to me to give medical care and prepare me for what was a very technical helicopter airlift from the cliff face and onto the hospital.

He treated my obvious injuries and prevented hypothermia, keeping me warm with blankets.

It was these simple soft woven blankets I remember, their comfort, and the ironic sense of safety they provided did so much more than just keep me warm as I rested my head on one.

During my 30 years in the rescue team, I was part of and witnessed a lot of trauma, unfortunately being present on the worst day of many people's lives. During these incidents, I was always mindful of what I’d experienced on my very own ‘bad day’, aware of the positive impact something so simple can have.

All Organisations even rescue teams follow set processes and structure. Implemented with the best intentions by skilled, motivated professionals and passionate volunteers.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen first-hand far too often how these very actions can unintentionally, be very impersonal, leaving those being helped feeling an anonymous part of a cold uncaring, functional process, seemingly sweeping them along without consideration or appreciation of how they feel in this alien environment, trauma is not just a visible physical injury.

It is this very reason why I believe even in our modern tech-driven world, the most important gift Kidsout provides is simply showing someone still cares, you and I care; total strangers they are unlikely to meet

I'm sure there have been many occasions you remember when a small gesture or gift meant so much. So surely, when their entire world has completely changed, sometimes literally overnight, this charity provides comfort and hope.

Whilst the circumstances and solution will be complex taking time, maybe even years to resolve. The work of Kidsout, its support, toyboxes, and days out provide fun, some relief, and a happy distraction during a traumatic time for all involved.

Although I've left the Coastguard rescue team, the desire to help people hasn’t ended.

So, while challenging myself this year, I'm also raising funds and awareness for Kidsout.

MY 2025 challenge is to run four half-marathons this year aiming for personal best times along the way.

Having only ever run five to date, the first in back 2021, after being challenged to run with a friend. I’m still far from what you would call a runner and before 2020, it was only my nose that regularly ran. So, this is a big step up for me physically, but that’s the point of a challenge after all.

WHY? £6006

Well, Ian and Ritchie have supported me a lot over the past year. They also support Kidsout and have pledged to raise £6000 this year.

So I thought why not match it? and with your help, I will.

(The additional £6 is purely for symmetry)

I really would appreciate it if you would.

• Continue following my challenge throughout this year

• Share this page with friends and social media communities helping raise awareness of Kidsout

• Donate towards my £6006 target, every pound makes a difference

• Maybe cheer me along at an event

Life-saving Tips for YOU as promised

1. When on the water always wear a life jacket, even the best swimmer can’t swim if they're unconscious.

2. Before you get out of a bath full of water pull out the plug, if you slip or fall in it will drain before you drown.

https://www.kidsout.org.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/garypbishop

Thank you for your support.

Gary

Please note I cover ALL my expenses for this challenge, so all donations go to the charity

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.