Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I am taking part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October to raise money for Live Unlimited. Live Unlimited was set up five years ago to provide support, encouragement and inspiration to Barnet’s 680 looked after children and care leavers. A looked after child is a young person taken into local authority care for multiple reasons, but mainly due to abuse, neglect, family breakdown or illness. When a child in care turns 18, they become what is known as a care leaver although the council resumes responsibility until they reach 25.

Their work focuses on reducing these young people’s social isolation, improving their mental health and well being, teaching new skills, boosting confidence, and helping find sustainable and fulfilling employment. This vulnerable group of young people, already marginalised by society, have been disproportionately impacted by Covid, with many suffering from increased levels of anxiety, diminishing employment chances and social isolation.

Since the start of the pandemic, they have provided over 1005hrs of participatory schemes and supported 227 looked after children and care leavers, some with life changing results.

I would like to help raise £1700 to enable one of our care leavers to be provided with access to driving lessons and their driving test. This scheme offered through the charity has helped our young people gain confidence and a new skill that can open doors to other opportunities. I was lucky to have a very supportive mum who worked hard to be able to afford my driving lessons and after passing driving lessons myself at 17, I was able to then support her with her medical appointments after she was diagnosed with spondylosis (osteoarthritis of the spine), and once I entered full time employment, was successful for roles that required driving or the provision of access to a company vehicle. This also helped me greatly as a single mother (at age 24) as I was able to choose my childcare options so I could both work and study.

I have some health issues myself so completing the Royal Parks half marathon is also something I would like to achieve on a personal level. Thanks again for taking time to access my JustGiving page and hope you can support.

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