I don't mind a 5-10km jog but will confess that I am finding the prospect of running the London Marathon more than a little daunting!  I have committed to following the 16-week Marathon schedule and am out there 3 times a week trying to increase time spent on my feet as well as distance covered.  Why?

Last year I went to a gala dinner in aid of a relatively small charity called Making the Leap.  One young woman stood up and told us the story of how she had worked incredibly hard to attain a top maths degree but, because she lacked any confidence, she struggled to convert this into a suitable job.  She found herself at the job centre ready to take pretty much anything.   Neither she or her family had the friends or contacts that we, and our children, take for granted.  Nor did she have the social skills or interview techniques required to 'make the leap'.  She had worked so hard but seemed destined not to fulfill her potential.  This changed when she was introduced to Making the Leap.

This wonderful charity transforms the futures of children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across London by raising their aspirations and helping them develop their skills, behaviours and attitudes to succeed.  They empower young people to recognise that regardless of their background, with hard work they can achieve their dreams and ambitions.  

Their work ranges from life skills training, employability training, career planning and supporting young people into employment with a focus on roles with top companies offering career progression.  Last year they helped over 7,000 children and young people across London.

“My journey with Making The Leap has been an unforgettable one and I cannot thank them enough. I will always be grateful that they gave me an opportunity that has allowed me to start a real career.” Adam, aged 22.

I'm sure you will be inundated with sponsorship requests this year but I would be incredibly grateful if you'd consider sponsoring me in support of a really worthwhile, but lesser-known charity which can genuinely change the future of thousands of deserving, young people.

THANK YOU!

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.