At the grand age of 45 i decided it was a good idea to run a half marathon. Having not run in a very long time or even set foot in a gym, training has been tough. I am doing it in aid of our new Charity partner at my place of work Leeds Building Society.

In April 2024 we kicked off our three year partnership with Barnardo's with a view to support care experienced young people. Our goal is to raise a minimum of £100,000 per year.

Leaving home is a challenge for everyone, but young people leaving care often do so without the support of a loving family. Nowadays, many young people rely on their family long after they're 18. But young people who have spent time in care don’t always have that safety net. They might not have a family home to return to if something goes wrong, or a parent to phone when they aren’t sure how to fix a problem. They can feel almost entirely alone.

The money we raise will help young care-experienced people to:

• find somewhere to live, such as supported lodgings

• manage their money

• continue with their education

• find work or training

• look after their mental and emotional wellbeing