Charities have been very badly effected by the Covid 19 lock down. The cancellation of all mass participation fund raising events has had a catastrophic impact upon the finances of many charities. Over the last decade I have regularly taken part in challenges to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. My neice, Joanna, lost her battle with CF in 2016 aged 24. I have completed long distance runs and walks including the Great North Run (half marathon) and The Great Strides Walk (40 miles), and have organised several concerts in our local Church with performances provided by family and friends. More recently, I have become a volunteer with a local charity, The Safe Anchor Trust, based in our home town Mirfield. SAT has a selection of canal boats which have been adapted to take groups from mainly care homes and special schools on trips along the river and canal in our local area.

This year I had planned to take part in the London Marathon but was unable to get a place through either the general ballot or the charity ballot. I was also due to attempt the Great North Run again in September but have just heard that this has been cancelled. All activities with SAT ceased in March and it is very uncertain when boat trips will be able to resume, perhaps not until next year.

The Great North Run organisers are encouraging runners to take part in a solo challenge this year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the event and to raise money for national and local charities. The challenge is to run 40 times anytime between June 28th, the date of the first GNR, and 12th September the date of this year's GNR. To give myself a goal for the challenge I will complete 39 runs before the 13th September and on the 13th I will run the half marathon distance (13.1 Miles). I plan to travel by train from Mirfield to Marsden and then to run back to The Safe Anchor Trust Marina in Mirfield mainly along canal tow paths. Please sponsor me for this challenge as our national and local charities are desperate for funds. Any money raised will be split equally between CFT and SAT. Please donate equally between my two chosen charities.

Thank you.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting genetic condition affecting more than 10,000 people across the UK. It affects the lungs and digestive system and can cause chronic infections and reduced lung function. Currently, half of those with CF will not live past age 41.The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is fighting for a brighter future for people with CF and their families by funding cutting-edge research, driving up standards of care and supporting people with the condition and their loved ones every step of the way.