I am planning to run a marathon on Sunday the 18th of October, in aid of a campaign to save Mend the Gap, a charity based in North Somerset.

As many will know, the last few months have been a difficult period for charities up and down the country. The precious work they do for a range of causes is coming under increasing stress, as donations dry-up and fundraiser events are cancelled. Mend the Gap is just like any other charity and has experienced many of the same difficulties in recent months.

Mend the Gap in its own words is set-up 'to help individuals and their communities mend the gap between cultures, religions, generations and people of different wealth, for the benefit of current and future generations'. I feel close to this charity, not only for its locality to my hometown, but for the month-long volunteering trip I completed on behalf of the charity in Kenya, last summer.

Having both seen and played a small part in the important work that they do for communities in different regions of Kenya, as well as helping bridge this 'gap' for more fortunate individuals in the UK. I feel particularly saddened to fear that this may cease, should the charity be unable to operate. Moreover, with recent events having highlighted the racial and economic divide that continues to plague the world, the work that MTG does in guiding people to parts of Kenya where communities are far less fortunate, and helping us appreciate this divergence, seems ever important. And this is why I feel passionate to be fundraising for them!

I would like to first thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and for you to wish me luck as I begin my first week of training - expect monthly updates of its progress on Instagram (@stocksandgothardgetfit)!