Last year my Dad lost his best friend John Thomson after a long period of illness after he was diagnosed with cancer. Uncle John was my Godparent.

John was a keen runner has completed the London Marathon and other races in towns and cities across the country. 

I am taking on the challenge of the Marathon March on 14 October 2023 in his memory. 

The Marathon will be completed by Team Thomson - John's sister Jo, my brother Matthew, my Dad Ian and a Marathon March veteran/Crystal Palace season ticket holder from Fareham, Hampshire Sue. 

We want to raise money for the Palace for Life Foundation because as Palace fans we want to help to improve the lives of young people in south London. John was a teacher and was brilliant with children and young people.

Growing up in south London has never been tougher but Palace for Life are in a unique position to drive positive change. They use the power of sport to change the lives of young people within our community, particularly the most hard-to-reach and hard-to-help. 

They work in schools and the community, with extra focus on those not in education, training or employment, those caught up in the criminal justice system and those with disabilities, physical and mental health challenges.  My aunt Andrea is a school teacher not far from Selhurst Park and values the Foundation's support across many activities.

South London is a diverse community with hundreds of thousands of talented young people who, given the right opportunities, will contribute so much to the future of the area. 

Your donations will directly support their work and make a real impact, for real people - and for me this will be a wonderful tribute to John.