This is not my story but my Mum's (Chris Bown).

For as long as I can remember, Mum has worked.  In fact one of my earliest memories is of queuing up with her as she collected her wage packet at the frozen food factory (I must fact check that as something I didn't once dream!).  

Whether being a 'home help', working in a shop or cafe, running her own business, or working in a charity, Mum has always been busy!

But Mum is happiest when volunteering and helping others, and it was in setting up a support group for a local hospice and becoming a Rotarian where Mum was able to truly find her passion in life.

In 2003 Mum started working as the Community Centre Manager for the Salvation Army in Keighley, and that's where she's been working (and at times volunteering) ever since.

To sum two decades of tireless work is difficult, but whether it be at the Salvation Army or Rotary, she’s basically:

• made herself invaluable to those around her
• made countless lifelong (and world-wide) friends
• been absolutely selfless in her support of the local community in which she lives

In October 2020 Mum's work for both the Salvation Army and Rotary was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, with her being granted the British Empire Medal, an achievement I know so many people were proud of her for and something that, typically, came as a complete surprise to her.

https://www.keighleynews.co.uk/news/18785439.queens-birthday-honours-keighley-charity-worker-shocked-flattered-awarded-british-empire-medal/

They say if you love what you do you’ll never work another day in your life, so you could say Mum gave up work almost 20 years ago.  As it is Mum finally retires from her role at the end of July 2021.

Now, whilst it'd be undoubtedly easier for us (me) to buy her a bunch of flowers to commemorate the occasion, we couldn't think of a better way to carry on the good work that Mum has done over the last couple of decades at the Salvation Army than by raising some money, which is why I'll be joining the 'Sally Army Striders' on 3rd October 2021 and taking part in the London Marathon.

We think it's the fitting way to say "Enjoy your retirement, Mum / Granny"

The funds raised from this marathon will go directly to the Salvation Army in Keighley to continue supporting the community that Mum has made herself a part of, whether it be the Christmas Appeal, at Messy Church, or stocking the food bank.

Running really is the easy part compared to the work done by Mum and her colleagues day after day, in Keighley, and across the country.

Any donation, no matter how small, will be very gratefully received!

A proud son,

Martin