Hey Everyone,

I'm Lee Ball and I am the Director of Addiction for The Salvation Army.

I've been working within the organisation for over 20 years in the area of addiction which includes the causes as well as the consequences of addiction.

This year i rather naively agreed to run the London Marathon (note to self - think first before saying yes!!) on behalf of our amazing Early Years Team. Even though I've never run more than 5k the opportunity to raise money for this area of work is a real privilege.

The team are fantastic and do such valuable work. Supporting children and young people as early as possible helps to develop safe and secure relationships which we know are so important for healthy development throughout the rest of their life.

Times are really difficult and together we need to do all we can to create the best possible start for children, they deserve the best opportunity we can give them,

if you can help support my very slow (and painful) attempt to run the London Marathon you'd be supporting an amazing team, a really good cause and bringing a sense of hope at a time when we all really need it,

Thank you!