My Story

Reading Family Aid needs a marathon runner? Hold my beer...

www.readingfamilyaid.org

It's been 12 years since I ran my first (and last) London Marathon, I swore off doing it again and yet... Older, heavier, more sleep deprived. And let's not even mention the knees and hips. If that's not enough for you, I'll be doing it in a silly (but pertinent) costume. 

Why Reading Family Aid?

Reading born and raised, I've lived in and around Reading nearly my whole life.

The charity Reading Family Aid is incredibly important to me as a cause I have actively supported for many years. Run solely by volunteers, their mission is to ‘Put Smiles on the Faces of Children’ living in poverty or facing disadvantage in and around Reading. What RFA does is so simple, yet has such a massive impact — bringing a bit of joy, hope and smiles to young people who really need it.

The charity’s Toys and Teens Appeal is especially close to my heart — it ensures that children aged 0-16, who might otherwise go without, receive a gift at Christmas. This is solely thanks to the generosity of supporters and donors. Last year, 2,509 children benefitted, who might have been left without presents. 

Support for Reading Family Aid is a family affair. My wife volunteers her time, I support as best I can, and my kids even do their bit in the campaigns.

This charity's work has never been more important. The cost of living keeps rising, the wealth gap keeps widening, and way too many families, doing their best, are struggling.

Why I'm Asking for You to Support Me

Marathon training won't be easy, and running in a costume that is apparently "embarrassing" and "stupid" makes it all the harder. But it's a privilege to run for this cause, knowing I’m doing it for such a worthy cause — and if you can support me with a donation, that will keep me going when stopping seems easier and the chafing takes hold.

If you can, please sponsor me — every donation, big or small, will help families in need right here in our community.

Keep your eyes peeled around Reading — if you see me training or running the Reading green park half (also in costume) I hope I bring a smile to your face and would love your support.