My Story

I was sat in the house on a Saturday afternoon when I received a message asking if I wanted to take part in the Great North Run this year.

"Here are the facts," I responded...

"I am 10-15kg overweight, I have done no exercise for the last decade plus, I hate running, I hate the concept of running, I wanted to raise money for charity this year but couldn't think of a compelling way to make people part with their cash, I become obsessive about things very easily and I think that means I believe I can prepare from zero exercise to half marathon in the space of eight months."

It's my intention to haterun the Great North Run. On a personal level I won't enjoy any part of the process apart from the self-satisfaction of setting a huge goal and achieving it.

For my suffering, I hope to raise money for Action Foundation, a charity in Newcastle-upon-Tyne which provides basic services and amenities for refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants in the city.

Through their work, Action Foundation helps those migrants to:

• avoid homelessness and extreme poverty
• access vital services
• increase their skills and employability
• access legal support
• integrate and live independently

Today the charity supports 1,700 people in the North East from 76 different countries. These people are incredibly vulnerable and have no access to state support. 

If you think going from zero exercise to running a half marathon is insane (it is), and think you might pat me on the back and say "good on ya" for this undertaking, please consider donating the value of a pint (£5 sterling) or even a London pint (£10 sterling) to Action Foundation through my page in lieu of actually buying said pint.

Don't forget to add GiftAid!