Although I hate going out in the dark for a run every morning, I do it because I have a mission.

As many of you know, Kate and I have a long history of involvement with the Bromley by Bow Centre in East London, dating back to 2012. We started by volunteering and raising funds for one of the UK’s most forward-thinking anti-poverty charities where I am now Chair of Trustees, raising over £40,000 in the past ten years through a series of marathons and ultramarathon challenge events.

Bromley by Bow Centre is a charity which supports vulnerable individuals and families in one of London’s most challenged boroughs. They help more than 5,000 individuals every year – plus their families and households – with support with bills, building financial resilience, improving emotional and physical health, and gaining skills and qualifications to access employment. And they offer a safe, welcoming, green space at the heart of the community where people can connect and break free of the social isolation, loneliness and barriers to opportunity endemic in so many of London’s poorest communities today.

2024 saw Bromley by Bow Centre reaching the milestone anniversary of 40 years since their foundation, during which time they have transformed thousands of lives and helped the community to thrive. Today they face an economic and fundraising climate tougher than any time in the community’s history.

This is what has motivated us to take on our biggest challenge yet: a celebratory 40 by 40 challenge where we aim to double the funds we have raised so far by raising £40,000 more over 18 months:

- starting on the 21st April, we will run the 2024 London Marathon,

- followed 10 days later by the Hadrian’s Wall footpath,

- then on 21st May with the 200km Burgos Ultramarathon in northern Spain,

- in April 2025, Kate will run the London Marathon,

- in October, I will do the 2025 Burgos ultra, and

- in November, I will do the GL Cambodia ultra.

Every pound counts, and your donation will go directly towards supporting the Bromley by Bow Centre's mission. So please, join me in this journey and let's make a difference together.

Thank you for your support!