Walking the London Marathon for Teddy Hall

David Picksley (1953, Russian and French) is walking the London Marathon for Teddy Hall. 

Do you want to join me in making a difference? On Sunday 3 October I will be walking the London Marathon to raise money for my Oxford College, Teddy Hall. Every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. All funds raised will go directly towards the St Edmund Hall bursary fund, which will support students who are financially disadvantaged.

An important area of priority within the St Edmund Hall 10-year Strategy is to create a diverse and equal community where there are no barriers to entry or to students fulfilling their potential. The Hall is busy increasing awareness about the benefits of university study and Oxford in particular, myth-busting to challenge any negative pre-conceptions, raising aspirations and enabling pupils to make stronger applications, so the Hall attracts the best applicants, regardless of their background.

Having had the chance to enjoy all the benefits that the Hall can give, I want to help to make those possible for less represented potential students from low-socio-economic backgrounds. During my career in foreign trade, and in doing some teaching, post retirement, I have met so many people, who given such an opportunity, would clearly have benefitted.

In my fifties and sixties, I ran marathons, and while this is beyond me at 88, I am sure that I can still walk the distance locally on Sunday 3 October, with my stick, within the 24-hour limit that the Virtual 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon rules permit. My experience tells me that training is essential, and since February, I have been walking up to 40-45 miles each week, including one single 19.5-mile day at the end of May.

I hope that Aularians worldwide, and many friends, will feel that they would like to support this cause with me, as I aim to reach a worthwhile five-figure money target.