I’ve been lucky enough to secure a London Marathon place this year running for Team YHA!

Why another marathon?  In April 1998 I crossed the finishing line at London, elated but vowing never to do another one! Over the next 10 years, I did another 10; a total of 4 in London. In 2002 I did my best time of 3:31:40. Then I retired from marathons, partly I think due to my marathon friend moving to New Zealand! Well I’ve now hit another decade & still enjoy running, albeit at a slower pace. So why not try another at 60?

Why YHA? I’ve been lucky in life from a health & wealth point of view. From an early age I was taken to some wonderful places, from mountains to beaches. At 14, YHA gave me my first holiday away with friends, rather than family; a week walking between hostels in the Lake District. This set the foundations for a lifetime of adventures in the countryside at home & abroad. Black Hall YHA was my trip out with the Liverpool Outdoor Club in 1981, I’m still a member & we still have plenty of memorable days out exploring.  Walking has led to running, and 5K’s to marathons & ultras. Having more free time now has got me hooked on Long Distance Footpaths in the UK, GR routes in the Alps & Himalayan Treks.  The outdoors is my medicine; it clears the mind & exercises the body to the point of exhaustion but leaves you feeling on a high.  

Not everyone gets the chances I’ve had. The YHA offers youngsters, and families in need, a break from their day to day struggles & existence. This fund pays to take them on life changing outdoor adventures which will hopefully lead them on a different path in life.

Please support YHA today & bring hope, strength and adventure to the young people and families in the UK who need them the most!    

Tune in here for an example of the wonders of the YHA fix! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2E5RIHe6y4

Jackie Keasley