On the 3rd of February and the 17th of February me and Zachary Barnes are on a quest to conquer 2 half a marathons in 2 weeks to raise money for Telford African & Afro-Caribbean Resource Centre - TAARC.

And Brandon is doing 2 extra half marathons so 4 in 4 weeks!

2 with zach.

The first one on February the 3rd is “The icing on the cake half a marathon” it is at The Long Mynd/ Carding Mill Valley which is a trail marathon so you can imagine its full of hills after hills, the original plan was to run the full marathon but we both decided that the half is enough due to that we want a 3 month training block it’s not like we both couldn’t do it with the mindsets we have but we both thought we want to get extra training if we are going to do a full marathon and trust me when I say this but 13.1 miles up long mynd is so hard with all the extreme conditions we will having to overcome.

The second one is on February the 17th at THE BIRMINGHAM 5K, 10K AND HALF MARATHON WINTER WARMER RUN. (Both with Zach)

And 2 on my own.

11th of February at ormskrik road, Liverpool.

25th of February at Milton Keynes.

February is not a month about me or my running, February for me is month to show after 1 year of trying to end a life, look where I am after that year, achieving what I’ve always dreamt about and to show doesn’t matter the set back, you will always prevail no matter the situation you always have to believe.

This one is slightly different with having a bit of hills but this is where we will push eachother and go for a fantastic time as this will be a flat road surface where we can focus on speed and timing.

But I’m sure we will enjoy both of them we are ready and excited to take on this huge challenge.

We have both worked extremely hard with both of us training each day and everyday together and if we ain’t together were still climbing those hills and running everyday in any conditions. Training in gym also everyday and we in particular have uped are training to 3 times a day and twice in the gym.

We both wanted to do something special because this month in particular is where I tried to take my own life in 2023 on this exact month (February) so we wanted to show people doesn’t matter the challenge infront of us and infront of you, we and you will always prevail and come out on top.

Mental health is overlooked a lot in the public eye and there for me and Zach both make a stand on it and want to raise as much as we can so we can help the people that they deserve and need, if you are struggling we are here and we can show you how to overcome mental health you can become anything, mindset, goals, accomplishments, desires can all be yours in life.

I personally still can’t believe this is a reality and this is all I know now, it was right there in front of me the whole time but I was to blind to see it. You’re to blind to see that you deserve to be here alive and well, To do what you’ve always been set out to do in life.

My mindset is so strong more than I will ever know day by day I say to myself woah look how far you’ve come the dream is still Alive.

I know what I need to do and how to do it I have to put in the work and grab it with everything I have and I will believe me.

I’d like to personally thank Zach on letting me in his journey he has showed me different aspects of running and been a coach to me pushing me to the breaking point that In which I’m really thankful for because I’m getting better each day with zach

This is going to be one different and difficult challenge but I know my body is ready for it and that’s I like to put pressure on myself and that I thrive in uncomfortable positions.

They say it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.

We say, when are you ever finished.

Team Marsh & Barnes are coming!

Also this is for Telford African & Afro-Caribbean Resource Centre - TAARC as they helped me so much the past year which saving me from mental health and putting me in a save environment where you can speak freely and enjoy yourself to me it’s just freedom!

We both want to raise as much as we can for TAARC as they put so much into the community without people realising and don’t get the credit they deserve from saving me to putting on magical event for everyone, TAARC is the best and these races are always dedicated to you and those who are suffering.

About TAARC:

In 2016 five likeminded individuals came together to create a charity to showcase African and Caribbean cultures here in Telford & Wrekin. We seek to create safe spaces within the community in order to support disadvantaged children and young people, and vulnerable adults. This aim includes creating a place for social, educational and community activities; plus building and strengthening community cohesion.

We organise regular events throughout the year, including International Women’s Day celebration in March, Windrush Day in June, outdoor Community Family Fun Day in July, Black History Month activities in October, and Christmas celebrations in December.

We have our best of African and Caribbean food, music, dance and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

TAARC seeks to showcase the best in African and Caribbean cultures. One of our aims as a charity is to educate others about African and Afro-Caribbean history and culture through social events such as our Cultural Family Fun Day, Commemorative Windrush Day, Black History Month (BHM) Celebration, BHM School Workshops, and Over 60’s get together, – all in Telford Shropshire.

We also have groups such as weekly Football In The Community, and we have partnered with Telford Elim Community Church who delivers weekly Youth Club sessions. We are in the planning stages to deliver a few more sessions like ‘Art and Chat’ group sessions, Netball for women, Cooking/healthy eating sessions, Seated exercises – online and in person, Health and Wellbeing/Bench-to-Bench Walks.

Fantastic if you ask me.

Contact TAARC if you have any questions:

Contactus@taarc.uk

07428773174

Website: www.taarc.uk

A non-profit organisation.

So please donate to our just giving page as this will mean the absolute most to us as we are challenging ourselves for a great cause. So get donating what are you waiting for.