Hi all. As a very active runner for some years now, I generally try to avoid fundraising as I know we all get lots of requests. But sometimes a special opportunity arises where it has to be done. Indeed, this is only the 2nd time I have run for charity in recent years, so thank you for listening.

Lucy and I had the pleasure of attending the Saints Foundation charity dinner recently, where we learnt of their extraordinary work in supporting the lives of a wide range of people, who through no fault of their own, need help. This is not a prescriptive charity, but instead is an organisation that transforms the lives of a wide range of people in need. This might include a young child with a crippling disability, older folks who have become lonely, or people who have suffered physical or mental abuse and have lost the will to live. The range is endless.

During the dinner we heard the stories of many people whose lives had been transformed by the work the Saints Foundation does on a day to day basis. Some might not be here today if it was not for their work. It was very humbling to hear their stories and see first hand how the Foundation's work had truly changed peoples lives.

So, when the Saints Foundation mentioned that they were looking for people to raise money by running the Southampton Marathon/Half Marathon in April, this presented a great opportunity to not only raise money for a terrific cause, but also to do so in memory of Dani Shapira, a great friend and fellow Saints fan. Dani sadly passed away late last year, having been diagnosed with cancer only a year earlier, though he remained incredibly positive and strong throughout. Dani's wit and tactical genius, which was frequently shared with the Saints coaching staff from his seat behind the Saints dugout, will be sorely missed (though maybe not by the Saints coaching staff). But his memory will live long in the minds of those lucky enough to know him.

Dani's wife Lynne, also a Saints season ticket holder, agreed that raising money for the Saints Foundation, in Dani's name, would be a great way to remember the big fella. So PLEASE dig deep. Dani, Lynne, and all involved in the Saints Foundation will be immensely grateful, as will I.

I will be running the Half Marathon on 26th April. Since this opportunity has come about at short notice, my fitness is sadly not up to the full Marathon (shame), but rest assured I'll be doing my utmost to try and smash the Half Marathon distance instead.

Thank you for listening and for your support.

Tim

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Thank you for supporting Saints Foundation. All funds directly contribute towards helping us to transform lives in and around Southampton helping people to fulfil their potential, to be more involved, healthier and empowered members of the community.As the official charity of Southampton Football Club, Saints Foundation is financially independent and generates its own income through sponsorship, donations, events, coaching programmes and grants from external agencies to deliver and support charitable projects. The charity works with thousands of individual participants each year, working across a range of projects within the core themes of; Education, Health and Wellbeing, Saints4All, Schools and Community, Football and Sports Development and Employability and Lifelong Learning.To find out more please visit our website: https://saintsfoundation.co.uk/