Marathon Challenges

Firstly this is time to say thank you to everyone who supported me on the last adventure and those who were there on the day - The Great Bristol Run, on 25th September 2022 was a truly magical day. It was at times, physically and mentally very challenging but an amazing, emotional, happy day. So many memories created and of course, a ton of money raised and this is, as we speak is helping people in need.

So what next? Well I think it's time for the next challenge:

Actually this is a dual challenge because those of you who know me, will know that I do not do things by halves.

16th April 2023 Manchester Marathon - 26.2 miles (a full marathon)
14th May 2023 Great Bristol Run (again) - 13.1.miles (a half mararthon)

I have been running now since February 2021. This is something that even I find remarkable that I am able to do. If you look at the evidence? An acute addiction to prescription painkillers, in 2008 lasting 6 years, with 5 knees operations on my right knee after I ruptured my ACL. What followed was chaos and alongside an acute addiction, poor mental health and just not coping with life.

I have been to rehab, the same one that I now work at and I am proud to say this. Did they save my life? Yes, alongside my family. So now it's great that I get to work at the same place that helped me and support people to turn their lives around, just like was done for me., Paying it forward and all that.

Then there is the charity that I am also on the board of trustees for. Somewhere House Somerset, the beneficiary of this fundraising, that I am a trustee of. I believe in supporting our local community providing counselling and support to anyone in our local area, that needs it, for as long as they need it. What's more we just ask for people to donate what they can afford to their sessions. If that's 50p, then that's ok.

So every penny raised will be going to this amazing charity, again something that I am so proud to be part of. The amazing team of qualified counsellors, volunteers and my fellow board members. We see over 125 clients a week. Fundraising efforts like this will help to continue the work we do.

So about the challenges. A marathon - really I have said to myself time and time again? Well yes, I am going to do this and run 26.2 miles/42.2km around the city of Manchester. Then 4 weeks later, I am returning to Bristol to run another half marathon 13.1 miles/21.1km at the Great Bristol Run. Both physically and mentally, this combined challenge is going to be epic. I know along the way there are going to be struggles, but I just love what running gives me" The freedom, the fitness, the mental health benefits and so much more.

Paula Radcliffe recently said that 'Everything you want to know about yourself, you will find out during the course of running these 26.2 miles'

So there are 2 challenges, please support and donate what you can afford. You will see me training over the coming months, if you recognise me do say Hi! Yes it might seem a long way off, but the base training is now underway. The fundraising and support, really does make a difference to me.

Support me to run for Somewhere House Somerset and support the community in the process, and in doing so - you may just change someone's life for the better. Remember every penny raised is going directly to supporting those in need.

Don't forget to gift aid!

Rob x