Boys who grow up in the UK face a harsh reality: by the age of 15, half of all boys will be in single-parent homes. Many of these boys never have contact with their father again.

As someone who grew up with healthy male role models, I know the impact that guidance and support can have on a young boy’s life. Unfortunately, the story is very different for some boys:

💔 65% of kids in low-income homes don’t live with both parents

🚔 76% of young people in custody have an absent father

😔 Without positive male role models, boys are at greater risk of crime, mental health struggles, and even suicide

However, it doesn't have to be this way. Recently, I came across the work of a charity called Chapter 2. This charity provides mentors for fatherless boys -- these mentors give their time voluntarily to step into the lives of underprivileged young men and boys. The waiting list of boys needing a male mentor is growing, and EVERY penny you give will help connect a fatherless boy with a positive male role model.

The challenge 🎯

On Father's Day weekend 2025, I'll take on an intense challenge—walking 65 miles (100KM) from Oxford to Reading in JUST ONE DAY —to support Chapter 2's vital work. Every step of those 100KM will be a reminder of the boys still waiting for a mentor—boys who just need one person to show up for them. Please help. Thank you!

Final thought 📜📽️🏅

The end point of my walk is Reading Train Station - this is where T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, lost the original manuscript of his famous book, Seven Pillars of Wisdom. He never recovered it and rewrote the whole thing from memory. The book went on to inspire the film 'Lawrence of Arabia', which won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1963... Inspiring stuff!