Thank you very much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. 

Not too long ago I ran my first half marathon (Royal Parks Half) to raise money for the NSPCC. That was already quite a challenge, but I've set myself a bigger and scarier one: running a full distance marathon - 42.195km or 26.219miles. 

"Why?" 

Because I really enjoyed training for the half marathon and wanted to take the next step. Very scary, but very exciting! This time I will run in my country and in the city I love most over there: Rotterdam. The NN Marathon Rotterdam is one of the largest events in the Netherlands. 

"Why fundraising for The Ben Kinsella Trust?"

That is a different story... I am going to run this marathon in memory of my colleague and friend Samad. About three weeks before the Royal Parks Half Marathon took place, Samad caught me while I was secretly registering myself for the Rotterdam marathon (to secure the place). I asked him to keep it between him and me at the time, because I was yet to do the half marathon. He was very excited for me and super supportive, which was so nice...

On the 17th of October 2017, a week and a half after the Royal Parks Half, we heard the devastating news that Samad, 28 years old, got stabbed and killed by a 17 and 18 year old. It was such a shock and very surreal. Samad was a fantastic youth worker who helped young people developing their computer skills, within our small youth community centre - Covent Garden Dragon Hall Trust. 

The Ben Kinsella Trust:
The Ben Kinsella Trust is tackling knife crime through education and campaigning. Our mission is to use the true and powerful story of Ben Kinsella to educate young people about the consequences of choices, so they stay safe and away from crime. We are here to educate young people; to provide advice, support and guidance with the aim of raising self esteem so that young people can resist peer pressure and make positive life choices.