Hello there,

If you've had cause to go down Kirkstall Road in Leeds over the last six months or so, you may have witnessed a flushed, agonised presence jogging at walking speed while trying to avoid the gaze of on-coming drivers. That'll have been me!

I've been "training" - as much leaner people call it - for the Leeds 10k, which takes place on Sunday, July 8.

Some people will be aware that my mum, Mary Blow, died unexpectedly in January last year. She spent most of her successful teaching career at Scartho Junior Academy (formerly Scartho Junior School). What started as a personal attempt to spend less time in the pub and do something more productive gradually built into an idea to contribute something useful in her memory. That's why I decided to use the 10k as a way to raise funds for something which the school staff already had in mind.

Although plans aren't yet fully developed, the school is creating an outdoor area for pupils in commemoration of my mum as part of a project in the coming autumn. It may involve children with special needs, which was part of her role in school. Any donations to this page will go towards the cost of developing the new space. So for those who wish to give money, I'll of course update you as the plan progresses through my contact with the school.

Anyone who's gone through it may understand when I say that grief often feels like an essentially fruitless emotion to have - nothing's really gained from it - so if I can raise a bit of money towards something practical at a place she loved, that could feel like a positive as well as creating something for the pupils to enjoy.

Many thanks for reading,

John (AKA Rocky BalBlowa)