In May, in a moment of inebriated bravado, I agreed to run a half marathon taking place in the Autumn, practically the end of the year, and yet, here it is, just 2 weeks away. If there had been any way I could have got out of it, I would have, but too many people witnessed my £500 wager with my colleague , Richard Acey , i.e. if either of us drop out, we have to give £500 to the Riverside charity . But gradually I've warmed to the idea, buying first an Ipod, then the high-performance running clothes, sweat bands, running shoes - now just need the legs and the stamina for 13.1 miles.
On a serious note and, more importantly, I will be running to raise as much money as possible for Riverside School, a local charity Country Choice have been supporting for the last couple of years (see picture attached of me with some of the children) . Riverside School is a special school for approximately 160 pupils aged between 4-19 years just across the road from Country Choice Head Office. The school has a diverse pupil population; all the pupils have severe or profound learning difficulties, and both the staff and the children there are an absolute inspiration. Every time I visit the school I come away feeling a strong sense of wanting to do my bit in supporting the staff who work so hard to not only give the children a loving and caring environment but also to help them, where possible, to become independent adults.
The money raised will help Riverside enhance their teaching and playground facilities. I hope you are able to sponsor me to raise money for this very worthy cause.`