Being a 53 year old father of 3 boys aged 24, 23 and 21 on their next birthdays,  I’m clearly a lot younger in my head than my body tells me. Born in West London but have now living in Bermondsey. I spent all of my school life outside of London, always working on farms in the holidays. My final placement being a16th century water powered flour mill in South West Wales where, apart from milling flour, I also looked after Tamworth pigs, ducks, sheep and a herd or irritable goats. It was looking after the goats, that I discovered I could run.

Having raised money for Great Ormond St following my kidney transplant to one of my children, I really did see the benefits of charitable giving. Both the process of raising money and directly seeing the positive change it can have on people’s lives was hugely rewarding, so I am keen to do it again. The use of the countryside  by the Foundation to help others is something I can understand. Not everyone in the country has access to the support and distractions we enjoy in the city.

I am particularly keen to support Casting for Recovery, supporting ladies with breast cancer.

Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland is a unique and wonderful project run by The Countryside Alliance Foundation which marries support, counselling and fly fishing into an alluring weekend programme for ladies with breast cancer. Retreats are free of charge to lady participants and any lady who has, or has had, breast cancer is eligible to apply, subject to medical clearance. The itinerary incorporates advice, support, counselling, relaxation techniques and the beautiful sport of fly fishing. The focus is very much on moving forward. The retreats are delivered by trained facilitators including a psycho-social therapist, a health care professional (e.g. physiotherapist, nurse), as well as qualified fly fishing instructors and fishing guides.

Additionally it’s an opportunity for friends and family to give back indirectly for the dinners, lifts and drinks over the years. A lot of people making a small sacrifice can make a big difference.

There is more to the Countryside Alliance than people in smart suits on horseback.

P.S 

In case you didn't know, I run.