I have committed to running the Manchester Marathon on Sunday 14th April. It is all the fault of my cousin who will be running it with me...

Starting my training in November 2023 I have been diligently following an 18 week training programme via the Nike Running Club app, allowing myself a few weeks here and there to rest up and recover from injury.

At the time of setting up this page I have completed 56 runs, covered 374km, braved every imaginable weather condition and have managed to lose over 1 stone in weight. This has all been from a starting point of being a complete couch potato.

The selfish:

Having reached the half-way point of my training I have come to the realisation that I need an external motivator. I am no spring chicken and have picked up niggling injuries as the distances being run have increased; I need a goal that is greater than the training mileage.

The Selfless:

As I was considering a local charity to support a work colleague burst into an after school meeting to advise that Hillhouse, a project that I am very familiar with in my role as a teacher in Shortlees Primary School, was facing a funding shortfall following a busy Christmas period in 2023. The question, 'Does anyone have any fundraising ideas?' was quickly answered by me and this page is the result..

I will be looking to do more than simply ask for your donations and will aim to arrange a few different events along the way so watch this space.

Please give generously. I appreciate that times are tough for so many but any donation will be gratefully received by the charity and will be put to good use. I can testify to the difference that Hillhouse makes to so many families in the Kilmarnock area. We all need a helping hand at times in our lives, use this as an opportunity to 'pass it forward'.

About Hillhouse:

For 45 years, Hillhouse have been working with young people and families in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire. As a registered charity, the organisation offers a service to individuals who are at risk of financial hardship and poverty.

Families are often referred to the service due to family breakdowns, leaving care, disability, mental health or unemployment. The organisation provides good quality, second-hand children’s clothing free of charge to local community members to assist with these struggles. Any child from birth to age 16 can receive items from the charity, and Hillhouse also makes available mother and baby boxes to women going into hospital and maternity-related products such as prams and cots.

Working in Shortlees Primary School I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that Hillhouse has had and would like to support them to continue in their invaluable work.

Hillhouse Website: https://hillhousehelps.co.uk/