My story
So..... I was recently at the London Marathon for the first time, supporting the runners, in particular the 65 inspiring runners for the Lord's Taverners. So inspiring that I had a very impulsive thought that I might actually be able to do that!! Well, the impulsivity won and I am now preparing myself to run 26.2 miles when I struggle to run to the shop at the end of the road! EEK!
So why did I let ADHD win?
The Lord's Taverners has not only been life changing but life saving for my son, which has in turn, saved our whole family. This wonderful charity do so much more than you think, they really understand the power of inclusivity and support.
Here is a bit more about The Lord's Taverner's:
"At the Lord’s Taverners we utilise cricket as a vehicle to positively impact the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality. We focus on those living with a disability and those living in disadvantaged communities as they are disproportionately excluded from access to the many benefits of sport; with lower outcomes for physical and mental health, lower confidence and self-esteem, and lower connections to their community and peers."
I can speak from experience to say that they really do action what they say they will and go above and beyond to change the lives of disadvantaged youth in the UK.
My son, Charlie, had been in mental health crisis for years and at such a young age, we nearly lost him to the horrendous battle more than once! We had almost given up hope as a family before discovering the Super 1's programme, held at Valley End Cricket club. We went along to the first training session in April 2023, not really knowing what to expect. It was in this moment that our whole lives changed for the better, not only was Charlie instantly accepted into a community of new friends, we as his parents felt seen and heard too... the fellow parents were all so understanding and welcoming. We had finally found a place to belong.
Charlie went from strength to strength, recovering in his personal life and smashing goals towards his - now brighter than ever - future, he took part in tailored employability skills workshops and work experience at THE OVAL! Check out the day here:
(69) Surrey Super 1s in the Workplace | CV Writing, Interview Skills & Work Experience - YouTube
Charlie could finally see his own worth in society and now has a drive to become a coach himself and help other disadvantaged young people through inclusive Cricket. His story doesn't end there, he is also now one of only 13 youth ambassador's in the UK for the Lord's Taverners and has been given the opportunity to deliver a speech at the House of Lord's in May 2025.
We are so incredibly proud of Charlie and ALL of the amazing participants across the various programmes but none of this would be possible without the time, effort, dedication and passion that the Lord's Taverners provide. Here is what they say about why they do what they do;
"Over 1 million young people with disabilities in the UK are currently not accessing sport and all the benefits it brings. We want to reach every single one of them.
We need to do this because:
In 2021, 5% of 11-16 year olds and 13% of 17-22 year olds reported feeling lonely often or always.
Only 4 in 10 disabled people (42%) agree that sport and physical activity is fair for disabled people.
Girls aged 11-16 are more likely to have experienced a decline in mental health (43%) than boys the same age (34%).
Disabled young people aged 16-18 are at least twice as likely as their non-disabled peers to not be in education, employment or training.
Children and young people from the least affluent families remain the least active."
So, THIS is WHY I am running the London Marathon 2026 for the Lord's Taverners and I'm going to need all the support I can get! I am NOT a runner but I AM determined to do this, just to say thank you for all they have done for our family. Help me along the way, watch and follow my content, share our story, like, comment, keep me going and most importantly help me raise some pennies and pounds for this AMAZING charity!! Any donations, sponsors and shares are greatly received and it will all help me towards my goal of 3.5k! Can I do it? With YOUR help I absolutely CAN!!
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