My Bio

I’m not a natural runner - I think that’s a sensible place to start. During a period of reflection and goal setting between Christmas and the New Year, I decided that I wanted to run a marathon in 2024. I also wanted to play more golf, start volunteering again, and save more money into a long-term investment account.

The mindless laps of Happy Valley racetrack without listening to music or podcasts morphed the original idea into something more challenging and significant.

My Why

In February last year, Carmel Armstrong from the Love21 team came to speak at a work event to kick-start our 2024. We heard devastating stories of the foundation losing the heart of their community after a fire ripped through their center. We also heard inspirational examples of their members conquering amazing feats. The passion and emotion in Carmel’s voice brought me to tears and ignited a desire to help.

Hong Kong is an incredible place which has given me so much. I met my wife here, my career is here, and I’m fortunate to call it my home.

I felt compelled to give something back.

Please click on this link to read more about the amazing work the Love 21 Foundation do in Hong Kong. https://love21foundation.com/

Love 21 Foundation is a registered charity under Section 88 of the Inland Revenue Ordinance in Hong Kong.

The Challenge

I’ve set myself the ambitious goal of running 21 marathons in just two years. To put this in perspective, prior to my first marathon (JTBC Seoul) on November 3, 2024, I had completed zero marathons in 38 years. My challenge now is to complete one marathon every 34.7 days for the next 24 months—which is still quite difficult to get my head around.

Most of my runs will be in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, and China) as I try to keep my personal costs down. I’ll also run a few unofficial marathons in Hong Kong with some of the members from Love21 to drive engagement and awareness for the great work the foundation does. If you have some interesting ideas of where I could run or a potential collaboration, please reach out and let me know.

My Ask

Unfortunately, Hong Kong’s infrastructure for individuals with Down syndrome and autism lags significantly behind the global standard. The life expectancy for these individuals in Hong Kong is notably lower than the global average.

The Love21 center provides essential support for families, offering a space where they can let off steam in the gym, seek guidance and emotional support from qualified professionals, and find acceptance among others in similar situations.

After spending a few nights at the new center in Kowloon, I witnessed just how important the facility is to the members. There are some heart-wrenching stories of loss and sacrifice that most of the parents have endured, and the communal space Love21 provides is so important. Love21 has over 150 people on the waitlist, and it’s very difficult to see how they can add more members as they are operating close to capacity.

I am going to raise $886,000 HKD, which equates to $1,000 per kilometer run and with your help we are going to clear the waitlist.

Your donation will mean Love21 can expand their operation and continue their amazing work.

I'm delighted to report that all donations will be matched by the SJP Charitable Foundation. For full transparency, the SJP Charitable Foundation will collect the funds, double them, and present the Love 21 Foundation with a huge cheque!!