Running the Great Wall of China!

Every year, the company I lead gives 10% of its profits to a charity called The Society Foundation . Unfortunately our business took a financial hit in 2020, due to COVID-19, so we're unlikely to have much to offer the Foundation in the short-term. I've therefore set myself the challenge of raising a bit of money independently.

Before my birthday on 17th March, and in 40 outings or fewer, I plan to run the Great Wall of China.

Now I'm not in China. So that presents an immediate practical problem. Thankfully the 'Pacer' app is going to allow me to track my progress, ensuring I cover not just the required distance 300km distance, but also the altitude! I'll be able to pinpoint exactly where I am on the Wall at the end of each run, and will try to post regular updates.

Why is The Society Foundation worth supporting? Well it provides grants to organisations that are helping potentially vulnerable people move towards paid employment. They particularly prioritise NEETs, ex-offenders, and the recently homeless. And the sort of grants they offer are really special - small amounts, on 'light-touch' conditions, to help with unsexy capacity building activities, like IT equipment, staff training, and consultancy support. That's one of the things I love most about the work The Foundation does - they target the money towards where it's really needed, rather than towards things that will look good in a press release.

I can't believe I've agreed to start this challenge in December. It's seriously cold outside, and at 6am, when I'll typically be starting my runs, it's practically pitch black. So please show me and the Foundation support by clicking that 'Donate' button now!