I am running in the TTP Cambridge half marathon on Sunday 5th March to raise funds for The Beacon Youth Trust in partnership with Romsey Mill. All funds raised will be used towards purchasing resources and equipment for our mentoring and 1-2-1 support sessions to give young people more options to explore their talents and develop their skills and leadership.

End of last year I lost my nephew who had been battling cancer for 8 years from when he was a teenager. He faced so many health issues but still managed to achieve many of his dreams because of the love and support he received from the community. Our family is heartbroken because we miss him but we are proud of what he managed to achieve including graduating from University while going through his treatments.

I have been doubting myself if I am emotionally and mentally ready to commit to this half marathon which I had signed up for before that tragic event in our family but when I think about the difference these funds can bring to the young people that we work with. I find strength and courage in wanting to do it. 

I am running for every young person going through tough situations beyond their control like what my nephew did.

For every young person with mental health challenges.

For every young person still to realise their potential.

For every young person trying to achieve their dreams and goals against all odds.

For every young person that has not been allowed to dream. 

For every young person that has lost hope.

I am running because I believe in every single young person.

I want to be part of the solution and invest in the future of our communities through Youth work. 

Our ultimate goal this year is to have a completely brand new kitchen because the current kitchen is almost run down. It doesn't have drawers and it is not suitable to have big appliances for other important activities like cooking and baking. And in the long term we would like to employ Youth workers and volunteers so that we can reach more young people. 

About The Beacon Youth Trust in partnership with Romsey Mill: 

The Beacon Youth Trust (BYT) is a local charity based in Linton. The aim of BYT’s work is to encourage and equip young people to flourish in their relationships with friends, family and the wider community, as well as helping individuals to take care of their physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. BYT is working in close partnership with Romsey Mill (RM) a Cambridgeshire Charity creating opportunities with young people, children and families so that everyone can fully belong, positively contribute and thrive. 

Weekly activities are provided in Linton, primarily from our own drop-in centre on the recreation ground, where young people can take part in group and individual activities enabling them to grow skills and develop positive and healthy relationships with others. BYT/RM also undertakes outreach work to grow the number of new participants and reach young people who may be more at risk. We work alongside young people to support and empower them to make wise choices for their future.