Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page in support of my 2010 London Marathon effort in aid of TACT, The Actors' Charitable Trust. 

I DID IT! I completed the Marathon (without stopping or walking) in 6:44:05 which was the sub 7 hour time I trained for and it was one of the most uplifting, life-affirming days I've ever experienced. Thank you very much to all those who have supported me so generously. I have also achieved my goal of raising at least £1000 but if you would still like to contribute please do so.

Every penny of the money raised will be used by TACT to assist actors' children with special needs. My lovely daughter, Lydia, has special needs so the cause is close to my heart. In the last 12 months, TACT has helped almost 200 children and awarded £215,000 in grants.

I started 'training' (I staggered 100 yards!) in mid-September 2009. I've never run 'seriously' before (the exercise I most enjoy is running around a tennis court!) but it's in a very good cause and is a personal goal to aim for. 

I've joined a gym to increase my endurance. I've lost 2 stones and I'm even starting to enjoy it. I've had my feet scanned on a running machine and I'm now running in the 'correct' shoes for my neutral left foot and my over-pronating right foot! (Technical stuff, huh!)

Donating through JustGiving is simple and fast. Your details are 100% secure and JustGiving will never sell them on or send you unwanted emails. Justgiving will send your money directly to TACT and they will reclaim Gift Aid on every eligible donation made by a UK taxpayer. If you'd prefer to donate to me personally that would be most welcome too.

I'm aware that the recession is stretching peoples resources but any amount you felt able to contribute all helps towards my target and is greatly appreciated. And on behalf of the children your donation will help THANK YOU VERY MUCH  - and, of course, a big thank you from me!

Got to run!

Love, xDavid.

 

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Read more about the work that TACT does below:

TACT was founded in 1896 and was known as The Actors’ Orphanage. Just as there are benevolent funds for firefighters, nurses and the armed forces, so TACT was set up by and for actors. TACT rely on the public's kind donations, from the generosity of actors who are doing well, and also legacies from actors. 

TACT's costs are kept to a minimum, with just two staff, and its committee is made up of volunteers. We don't employ marketing or fundraising staff and we don’t pay any consultants.

These are examples of families that TACT helps:

1) A lone parent of two pre-school children battled cancer without support from their father. TACT paid for emergency childcare whenever she was in hospital and helped prevent her being evicted from her home. The trust ensured she got the correct state benefits. Against medical prediction the mother has not only survived, but is now able gradually to move to full-time work as her children start school. TACT continues to help with music lessons for the children, until their mother can cope with the cost herself.

2) A father with young children needed crisis childcare – a nanny – when his wife was dying and during the desperate months afterwards. While TACT ensured the state paid as much as possible, we were able to top up the amount so that the children had one consistent person caring for them. We continue to support childcare when it is needed, but the family has stayed together and dad is now working part-time. We have paid for some successful specialist counselling and medical help for one child, as NHS provision was not forthcoming.

3) A teenager with complex haemophilia has regular bleeds in his joints, not just causing great pain, but leaving him dependent on a wheelchair. TACT’s support has enabled him to keep up with school work and has enabled the extra mobility help needed on holidays.

4) TACT helped a teenage girl with cystic fibrosis who, despite knowing that her life is limited, and living with constant illness, finds the courage to pursue creative activities and to help other people.

5) A young boy with autism, with a profoundly ill father, has such challenging behaviour that it has affected his younger sister. TACT has advised constantly about education, and has supported the daughter with nursery provision and activities to boost her self-confidence.

6) A teenager who uses a wheelchair has had a monthly allowance from TACT which he uses to organise his own taxis and helpers. He can go to football matches independently, shop for clothes and meet friends, without having to have his mother with him all the time.

 TACT, 58 Bloomsbury Street, London WC1B 3QT.  020 7636 7868.  robert@tactactors.org