<div>Hi everyone,
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<div>I’m writing to share something important—and a little bit daunting—that I’ll be taking on in September 2026. I’ve signed up to take part in the 2<strong>5th Anniversary 9/11 Tunnel to Towers Run</strong> in New York City to raise funds for two charities that mean a great deal to me: <strong>The Fire Fighters Charity</strong> and the <strong>9/11 Tunnel to Towers Foundation</strong>.
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<div>All donations raised will be split<strong> 50/50</strong> between the two charities once I complete the run.
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<div>Now, before you picture me sprinting gracefully through Manhattan, let me be very clear: <strong>I am not a runner</strong>. In fact, the last time I ran any meaningful distance was probably to catch a bus—and even then, the bus usually won. So the fact that I’m willingly signing up for a 5K run is a testament to just how deeply I care about supporting these two incredible organisations. If ever there was proof of my commitment, this is it.
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<div><strong>The Fire Fighters Charity</strong>
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<div>The Fire Fighters Charity provides lifelong physical, mental, and social wellbeing support to the UK’s fire services community—serving and retired firefighters, control staff, support staff, and their families.
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<div><strong>What They Do</strong>
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<div>•	Mental health support for stress, trauma, and emotional challenges
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<div>•	Physical rehabilitation for injuries, illnesses, and long-term conditions
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<div>•	Support through major life changes, including illness and retirement
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<div>•	Help for families and dependents who may also need support
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<div><strong>Who They Help</strong>
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<div>•	Serving firefighters
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<div>•	Retired firefighters
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<div>•	Control and support staff
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<div>•	Families and dependents
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<div>•	Anyone in the UK’s “Fire Family,” including ESFRS personnel
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<div><strong>Why It Matters to Me</strong>
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<div>The Fire Fighters Charity supported me during one of the hardest years of my life. Their care, alongside the support of my Manager in the Finance Team, made a profound difference. I genuinely don’t know how I would have coped without them. I also know from conversations with many of you how much their work resonates.
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<div><strong>Tunnel to Towers Foundation</strong>
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<div>The Tunnel to Towers Foundation was created in honour of FDNY firefighter <strong>Stephen Siller</strong>, who gave his life responding to the World Trade Centre attack on 11th September 2001.
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<div>Their mission is to honour the sacrifice of first responders, military service members, and their families by providing practical, life-changing support.
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<div><strong>Core Programs</strong>
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<div><strong>1.	Mortgage-Free Homes for Fallen Heroes </strong>
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<div>Supporting families of fallen police officers, firefighters, and military service members—especially those with young children.
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<div><strong>2.</strong>	<strong>Smart Homes for Catastrophically Injured Veterans &amp; First Responders </strong>
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<div>Specially adapted homes for those who have suffered life-altering injuries in the line of duty.
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<div><strong>3.	Ending Veteran Homelessness </strong>
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<div>Expanding Veterans Villages across the U.S., converting buildings into affordable housing.
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<div><strong>4.	9/11 Remembrance &amp; Education </strong>
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<div>Ensuring the world “Never Forgets” through national memorial events, including the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run &amp; Walk and the Tower Climb NYC.
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<div><strong>Why It Matters to Me</strong>
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<div>I can still remember like it was yesterday when the planes hit the Two Towers. I can tell you what I where I was, what I was doing and who I was with. I’m sure many of you can say the same. I visited New York in April 2003 and had the opportunity to visit Ground Zero. I still get emotional all these years later when I look back at the time I spent there and how New York was forever changed.
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<div>Whilst I did not know any of the Fire Fighters who lost their lives, I do have friends that were directly impacted.
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<div><strong>How You Can Help</strong>
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<div>I have set up this GoFundMe page where donations can be made. If you’re able to contribute, even a small amount would mean the world.
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<div>If you choose to donate, please consider selecting Gift Aid—it adds an extra 25p for every £1 donated to the Fire Fighters Charity at no cost to you. A £10 donation becomes £12.50, just like that.
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<div><strong>Learn More</strong>
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<div>If you’d like to read more about the incredible work these charities do, here are their websites:
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<div>Fire Fighters Charity: <a href="https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/</a></a>
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<div>Tunnel to Towers Foundation: <a href="https://t2t.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://t2t.org/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://t2t.org/</a></a>
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<div>Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Whether you donate, share the fundraiser, or simply cheer me on as I attempt to run without collapsing in a heap, your support means more than I can say.
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<div>Warmest regards,
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<div>Bobbie
</div>

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25th Anniversary Tunnel to Towers Run 2026 - NYC Sept 2026

Just £100£ to go! Make an impact.

25th Anniversary Tunnel to Towers Run 2026 - NYC Sept 2026

Just £100 to go!
Make an impact.