Help an Octogenarian Run for England

Hi, my name is Peter and I'm fundraising for help towards my costs in running for England Masters team in half marathons.

It is a huge honour to have been selected for England, but I have to fund all the costs of competing, including England kit, race entry fees, travel and accommodation.

My first event will be the Swansea Half Marathon, in June and the total cost for that race is about £650, including England kit.

Apparently, very few over-80s runners can match the qualifying time, so prospectively, I may be selected for other races which are likely to cost around £400 each. To some extent, I feel duty-bound to go for other races, necessitating entry into pre-qualifying races. So I have entered the Bristol Half Marathon, and Chester Marathon, as qualifiers for races early next year.

I will be seeking formal sponsorship, for the longer term. My running has caught the attention of BBC Somerset, which should help in that endeavour.

In the short term I need whatever help I can get, because these costs are excessive on my modest pension.