I’m pleased, and proud to say I’ll be continuing my running story throughout 2022 while raising money for Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin to support their team in everything they do on a daily basis.

After successfully completing the 2021 London Marathon (Oct 2021) in 4 hours and 50 mins I plan to run the Chester 10K in March, the Manchester Marathon in April, the Birmingham great run (half marathon) in early May and then the Chester half marathon in mid-may. Further races are planned for late summer and early Autumn which I will add the details at a later date, and I'm sure I'll find others to run as we move through the year. I would like to run 1200 miles through the year.

Throughout this pandemic I have observed my wife, who works for Age UK STW on the phone/zoom/Teams constantly talking to people, colleagues and volunteers, and anyone else who needs support and guidance to get them through the difficult period. Pre-pandemic I was also amazed at the work done by the charity in running day centres, dementia support groups, and I guess a lot more as I probably only see a fraction of what actually happens. As we come out of the pandemic the day centres have been re-opening and the support continues to be needed to serve the old members of our community.

I’m keen to ensure any money raised stays local which is why
I didn’t sign up to any of the national charities on offer through the London marathon website and decided to do something independently. To be honest I never knew Age UK STW was an independent charity, but it is, and as such all monies raised stay in this region.

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin has reached a milestone of 70 years of making a difference to the lives of older people across the county. To celebrate we are asking fundraisers to complete a Platinum Challenge and raise funds to support older people in three key areas: - Reducing loneliness and isolation - Supporting people living with dementia - Providing information and advice The numbers of older people needing support have most likely risen from these figures due to the pandemic. During this difficult time, we were able to adjust services and meet the needs of local older people but as we move through the pandemic we will need your help to continue the support given across Telford & Shropshire.

Read more about Age UK STW by clicking on the link opposite.