http://www.pledgie.com/campaigns/122 I love to run and marathons is my thing so far 9 marathons and counting, I can't get enough of them. Next is the Flora London Marathon on April 22nd and I am running for a good cause to raise funds for a great charity called The Outward Bound® Trust. I remember my first marathon way back in 1999. I was a shy and timid person and did not know my strengths and weaknesses, but after running a marathon, which tests you to your limits, you come out a different person. Marathons and other physical challenges have tested my endurance, making me acutely aware of my strengths and challenges and have taught me the skill set that includes self-evaluation and using the body with mind to achieve goals. They have also been rewarding and have developed me as an individual, enabling me to build confidence to peruse my goals and dreams. Life changing and rewarding experiences like these do not appear in the lives of the many mentally and physically disabled people, those that have problems with drugs and alcohol, young offenders and the economically disadvantaged. Do you know of a next-door neighbour, friend or work colleague who needs the support and encouragement help them succeed in life? “I Can” are the two most important words we can put into a young persons mind - but does every young person have the opportunity to live these words? Everyone, especially the disadvantage youth of today should receive the opportunity to resources where they can receive the best learning environment for personal development and reach their full potential to help them achieve what they want in life. Outward Bound® work with all disadvantaged people. No one is excluded. And it works, for over 60 years Outward Bound® has influenced the lives of over 1 million people, helping them develop the confidence to take on whatever life sends their way. “I Can” are the words that the Outward Bound® makes sure that every young person has the opportunity to live these words. Put simply at Outward Bound® lives are changed.” Outward Bound® courses consist of activities that are designed to help disadvantaged young people learn more about themselves and others. The challenges on a course are physical, mental, and emotional which are an investment in their future and can provide a lifetime of benefits. Courses are funded through the activities of fund raising. The money is used to help as many young people as possible to have access to safe, adventurous experiences through which they can raise their self-esteem, realize their full potential and achieve more than they ever thought possible. “A lack of funds should not be a barrier to boosting a young person's confidence and self-respect, to improving their ability to work with and to lead others, or to engendering a greater appreciation of the natural environment.” My fundraising target is 3000 pounds (NZ$ 8,500) Want to help me? Brilliant! Donating through this site is simple, fast, and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Outward Bound Trust will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. So please sponsor me now! Many thanks for your support. en-us