Thanks for taking the time to visit my Just Giving page.

I’m running the London Marathon this year and would really appreciate your support.

I’m fundraising for Stonewall, a charity that means something to me but may not mean much to you. I hope that, after visiting this page, you will understand why it’s important for me to be raising money for Stonewall in 2015.

Stonewall is renowned for it’s campaigning and lobbying for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) rights.  Some major Stonewall successes include helping achieve the equalisation of the age of consent, lifting the ban on lesbian, gay and bisexual people serving in the military and securing legislation allowing same-sex couples to adopt. More recently Stonewall has helped secure civil partnerships and equal marriage.

I’ve been personally involved with Stonewall for the past eighteen months, as a representative of their Schools & Education Programme, which involves me speaking to kids in schools in an effort to eradicate homophobia. I know personally how the derogatory use of the word “gay” in the playground can impact on kids, not only those struggling with their sexuality, but also those with gay relatives, like my son. “You’re so gay” is a term used all too often in playgrounds up and down the country and, whilst in many cases the kids aren’t meaning to be homophobic, it creates that sense of “gay” being a bad thing. It’s important for Stonewall to educate as many kids as possible and I’m proud to be able to help make a difference.

Further to this, you’ll most likely know that last summer I got engaged to Ross. We are fortunate that, in 2015, we are able to get engaged, plan a wedding and get married with no obstacles. Ten years ago it wouldn’t have even been possible to have our partnership legally recognised in this country and only last year was it possible to legally marry. There are many organisations and individuals who fought for these rights, with Stonewall of course being a key player.  It therefore feels right that, in the year I will marry, I give something back by raising money for Stonewall to help them towards continuing their fantastic work both in the UK and abroad.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thanks in anticipation for your support.

P.S. I've stopped smoking!!