I like a challenge. Every challenge thatI take is always to help deprived children. In the past 24 years I have run from my home in Osnabruek in Germany to destinations all over the world to raise money for children’s charities. To date I’ve raised more than one million euros.

Next June, as well as raising money, I hope to send a message to children and young people that they are worth running for, that people care about what happens to them and that they can overcome poverty and abuse to live full and happy lives.

I’m living proof. I was born into poverty and put in a home as a child, where I was physically abused. It ended my childhood and clouded my life. But one day, all that changed. I told my wife about my childhood and I began to feel better. I started running. And I’ve never really stopped.

It’s been in my heart all the time to do something in Scotland but the time wasn’t right to do it. The thing that really tipped it was I read that 1 in 3 children in Glasgow live in poverty. I couldn’t get my head round that. It truly hurts me. These children have so much potential that is awaiting to unfold, they must be given the chance to do so.

Six others will join me forthe non-stop ‘1 in 3’ run. Each runner will cover the equivalent of a marathon a day. Please look out for our route on this site (I’ll update when confirmed),come out and cheer us on, run with us, give us that extra energy anddetermination.

I chose Children 1st because the work they do is all about helping children recover from trauma, or helping families who need support. That’s what needs addressed. Together we can changethat and give children something to aspire to.

Please help to make that change and give what you can for Children 1st. Thanks.