Hi Everyone, thanks for following the link to my Just Giving page. As you will see from the title of this post I will be taking on the London Marathon next year, something that I've talked about and wanted to do for some years now.
Why do I want to run the London Marathon?
1. Being a competitive person I've always enjoyed a challenge. Running is not my strength, and whilst it might not be my dream event from a pure sporting enjoyment factor (like Playing golf at Wentworth would be for me for instance) it is an iconic event and as I'm only planning on running one marathon in my lifetime, it has to be London for me.
2. Being able to raise money and give to those less fortunate is important to me. I'd like to think that I've always been a supporter of various charities over the years, but I've never specifically raised money for one charity in isolation in this way before. Having found and worked with the Wooden Spoon Charity over the last year, the timing also just seems right to be able to work together with them on this challenge.
3. I've always been inspired by my brother to get the trainers on and challenge myself to run a marathon and to raise money for charity. Tim has now run about 10 over the years and has worked within the charity sector for the large majority of his working career. He's also done the Ironman, but it doesn't mean I'm doing that as well!!
4. I'm not getting any younger, so if I don't do it soon then I'll probably not be able too!!

So, why choose the Wooden Spoon Charity?
1. Having worked with the charity for the last year and having witnessed first hand the support they have given our wheelchair rugby club (Team Solent Sharks) it's a privilege for me to be able to support them back, on behalf of the club.
2. The Wooden Spoon Charity is associated with rugby, a sport that has been a big part of my life teaching me the values of sportsmanship, Passion, Integrity, Teamwork & Fun (the charities core values).
3. Whilst the charity is a national charity, the money I raise will stay in my local community and within projects in and around Southampton. This is important to me, as this year marks 20 years living in Southampton, a city that I owe a huge amount to since moving here to study. Gaining my degree at the Institute, 16.5 years of employment at Solent Uni, many friends and good times and of course most importantly meeting my amazing wife and having two super cool kids with her. I am truly blessed for all of the above.
4. The majority of the projects work with young people, something that also I believe strongly about.

So all in all, a truly great charity and I really do hope I can raise a load of money and help them to achieve more and more. If you would like to visit the web page then you can through the following link: https://woodenspoon.org.uk/

So thanks for reading (if you've lasted this long!) and if you do feel that you are able to donate towards my challenge, then clearly I'd be extremely grateful for your support!

Thanks very much
All the best
Bish X