First of all, thank you so much for taking the time to read my page. As many of you will know, The Children's Society is a charity that I have tried to support over the years, not least because of my longstanding involvement with disadvantaged and vulnerable children.

As before, I will be running/walking in memory of my dear running buddy Jo Hirsch. She would be telling me to get a move on and no excuses! In addition, I will also be running again in memory of many other special folk, including the late Jo Porter, Margaret Williams, Shirley Charity, and many many more dear departed angels. I will as is my custom, remember many inspirational and special children and adults along the course and dedicate the miles to each one of them.

Across the country, young people are suffering unseen and unheard – struggling with their mental health, living in poverty, and in danger from exploitation and abuse. Things cannot continue as they are.

At The Children’s Society, we know a brighter future is possible. Every child needs the care and protection of adults, and teenagers are still children. Without the help of those around them – their parents, carers, teachers – young people can’t access the support they need.

That’s why we’ve been working for more than 140 years to protect every childhood. We make sure young people can access vital support when they need it most and campaign for a world where every child can grow up safe, happy, and hopeful.

Every day, we see the incredible difference the right support can make. Now, it’s time for all of us to step up, speak out, and stand alongside young people. Mile by mile together we can build a society for all children: a society where children can thrive, not just survive.

Secondly, I must warn you now.......I have only just started to practice running/walk this week!! I had a nasty bout of Covid last October '24, and it precipitated several lingering chest infections and other unpleasant side effects. I normally have a robust set of lungs, and I was not impressed with my inability to shake of the viruses over winter. However, my heart is behaving itself nicely, for which I am truly grateful, and my pacemaker is fully charged! So I'm hoping to take part on the 27th April, God willing, but it will be a very gentle plod for me I'm afraid .....no rushing! I'll have my little book of dear folk to remember at each mile with me, and maybe hand out leaflets to the spectators as I walk past? Watch this space.

Thanks SO much for sponsoring me and for supporting this incredibly valuable charity, which works tirelessly for the welfare of young folk.