Hello all!

I (somehow!) managed to get a ballot place in the 2025 London Marathon and wanted to make the many hours of training runs and ice baths (plus the sizeable challenge itself on April 27th) worthwhile by raising money for a charity close to my heart.

Grace and I care passionately about young people and have been left deeply affected by far too many news headlines and personal stories of young lives ended, families heartbroken and communities shattered as a result of violence, especially knife crime. The stats are harrowing - and worsening.

In 2022/23, 99 young people aged 16–24 were victims of homicide with 467 children treated in hospital for knife or sharp object injuries, up 47% from 2012/13. By 2023, 1 in 4 children in England and Wales had been a victim of violence or had perpetrated violence themselves while 47% had witnessed violence in the last 12 months.

This is an issue that impacts all of our society and it requires all of our society to create change. This is where Power The Fight comes in. Launched in South London in 2019, this inspirational charity are helping make a difference by empowering communities to end violence affecting young people across the UK. PTF support young people and families, train and resource communities and create long-term solutions for sustainable system change by acting as a link between the community and policy makers.

If you would consider donating to Power The Fight as a way of showing your support for my London Marathon run but more importantly to help tackle violence affecting young people, I would be so grateful. Equally if you’re not able to give financially, please keep an eye on PTF’s social media (@powerthefightuk) to see what they’re up to.

Cheers,

J

Head to Power The Fight’s website for more info, videos and stories of PTF’s vital, important work: https://www.powerthefight.org.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerthefightuk/?hl=en-gb