Ok, so firstly thanks for getting this far.

In April 2018 I once again entered the ballot of the London Marathon in the search of a challenge to kick myself up the backside and hopefully support some worthy cause in the process. Between April and October I lost track of thinking about the ballot simply assuming that I wouldn’t be drawn again and that if anything I’d need to look for charity place to gain entry but that none of the charities listed really gripped me as having a close significance close to home so I’d probably not bother, again. Then that changed... 

On Saturday August 4th Isobelle, the treasured daughter of one of my oldest and closest friends Steve and his wonderful fiancé Kadie didn’t wake from her sleep with absolutely no warning at the tender age of just 7 weeks. Although support was forthcoming from many sides the amazing treatment and kindness they received at Hope House gave two special people and their wonderful network of family and close friends an opportunity to spend invaluable time with Isobelle in a private and tranquil setting without pressure or intrusion but with the reassurance that they were only a word away.

I have had sadly all too many dealings with Hope House in a professional capacity but this brought so much closer to home just what a phenomenal place it really is - largely due to the awesome people based there.

Sadly the grant funding which Hope House receive is woeful in comparison to what is required and following the incredible start and continued fundraising which Steve and Kadies families have begun when a letter dropped on my desk on October 8th to say that I had been drawn a ballot place there was no other thought whom I should try to assist.

As you probably know I can be a stubborn sod when I set my mind to it but that usually requires a reason to inspire me and whilst overshadowed with incredible sadness what better reason could there be than to do my little bit to give back to this special place?

Likewise if you know me you’ll know I’m no athlete, one charity “jog” about 6 years is the sum total of my past experience so this is gonna be one big uphill slog, there’s probably 7 stone to lose and many many miles to be covered but each and every one will be easier with the great support of those behind and around me. To them I say an immense thank you, and if you’ve got this far and can help with a few pounds towards a tremendous cause I promise to do everything in my power to drag myself around the streets of London on April 28th 2019!

Phil The Goal

  Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.