update 21/4/2024

Delighted to report a successful outcome at the 2024 London Marathon! Despite running out of steam at mile 19 and walking a large percentage of the final few miles I came in at 5:25:27 - very happy with the result & no injuries.

Over the next few days I’ll post some more photos of the event.

Also, many thanks for the messages of support and donations to the Formartine Youth Project. These are very much appreciated. There is still time to donate to the project….hope you do not mind a wee nudge!

Update (14/4/2024)

Many thanks for all your good wishes. Due to the cost of living crisis and money being so tight, I set a fairly modest fundraising total. However, you have all been so generous. Thank you.

My final training run before I head down to London will be an easy 10k on Tuesday evening. (Anybody who wants to join me please get in touch!) Due to recurrent back trouble I will be taking it very easy on marathon day so please do not expect any world records. Not likely anyway!

I arrive in London on Friday and will be taking part in a couple of publicity events with the sponsors of the running club - Sikhs in the City. This includes a 5k shake out run on Saturday morning which will follow the final part of the marathon course. Will post photos over the weekend.

Again thankyou for your good wishes and support. The Formartine Youth Project is such a worthy cause. As previously mentioned I am covering all my own costs and expenses connected with entering the marathon, travel, food and accommodation. This means every penny donated will go direct to the project and be put to good use.

Sean

I am running the 2024 London Marathon to support the Formartine Youth Project

The Formartine Youth Project was established in 2013 with the aim of creating places and opportunities for young people for them to meet, to Be themselves, develop positive relationships, feel they Belong and to Believe in themselves. As a project we currently run:

A weekly youth cafe in Pitmedden. Meeting after school every Thursday during term time, attracting 40 – 50 young people in P6 and over from Pitmedden, Udny Green and Udny Station communities. We provide a safe space to hang out with friends and enjoy sociable activities such as table tennis, pool, table football, board games and crafts. We also offer ‘volunteering’ opportunities for our young people and sign off on both Duke of Edinburgh and Saltire Awards.

A weekly lunch club in Tarves Primary school for P7s is regularly attended by 15-20 young people: providing a space of their own to socialise, build relationships and discuss any issues of concern as they complete their last year at primary and transition to the academy. Many of these will turn 12 during this academic year.

A fortnightly youth cafe in Methlick currently welcome approximately 16-20 young people.

A monthly youth club in Barthol Chapel attracts on average 15 young people for two hours of games, activities and snacks.

Summer holiday club for young families and opportunity for young leaders to gain accredited Dynamic Youth Awards and develop personal skills in leadership and teamwork.

We work closely with the local primary schools to offer programs of targeted support, support the delivery of religious and moral education, religious observance and pastoral care.

Work together with other community youth groups such as Boys Brigade and local uniformed organizations and encourage youth engagement in community projects such as Gingerbread village and Easter garden.

Support Mainly Music volunteers in both Pitmedden and Methlick: bringing new mothers and their babies together for fun and fellowship.

100% money raised will go directly to fund Formartine Youth Project activities: supporting young people and families in our local community. All costs associated with the London Marathon will be covered by myself.

If you would like to donate using Gift Aid, please contact me direct and I'll forward on the required information & forrm.

For regular updates and more information they can go to https://www.facebook.com/formartineyouthprojectfyp