Hi, I’m Steve: I’m aiming to raise enough money to my the local primary school a drum kit. The school are well supported by Cambridgeshire music: who do fantastic work coordinating provision of music education and arts therapies, making music accessible (affordable) for young people and families – both in and out of school. They will send teachers into schools where they have instruments or kids can take their own. Unfortunately my 9 year old sons school Matthew’s primary doesn’t have funding for a drum kit, so kids are missing out/having to pay for expensive lessons outside school.

I’d like to raise enough to get them a drum kit. I’d love to ensure access isn’t limited to those that can afford it, and all children get an opportunity to play.

In addition I’d like to raise some money for Saint Michael’s in Harrogate, who do great work supporting those with providing end of life care.

This is a something I’m desperate to achieve: so I realise I need to do something decent to make sure I’m going to properly HURT ;) Hoping that will proportionally inspire people to sponsor a few quid.

I am looking to complete three events and am looking for any sponsorship for completing all of these.

1. Back yard Ultra:August 23rd

Running 4.1 mile loops on the hour every hour, until the last person stands.

2. Run the Wainwrights coast to coast across the uk: 190 miles, fully self supporting (I’ll carry gear/sleep in ditches/cook own food). Target 4-6days

3. The Great North Trail Mountain bike route: 825 miles from southern Peak District to the tip of Scotland. 16days. This will be unsupported, camping and carrying all my gear, riding my 29 year old retro bike.

Yes this kicks off today/August23rd with the Back yard ultra. (Can’t decide if I’m bricking it or excited-it gets real the second I share this…) I’m hoping to get the others in this year, or new year at the latest.

All costs, kit, travel, living, time off I’m covering myself. Every penny that comes in goes straight to good causes.

Big expectations on sponsoring people puts me off sponsoring or asking people to sponsor me. 100 sponsors of £5 is my target, but every penny, pound, £2.50 COUNTS!! No donation is too small. What ever coins you find in the sofa stuck to a chunk of melted dairy milk and dog hair, I’ll av that please :) I will do some car boots and other fundraising to try and add to the total through out the year as well.

It’s been an epically pants year, it would feel pretty nice to get something positive out of it. Thanks you for your time, very much appreciated.

Steve :D

*I believe both school PTA and St Michael’s have charity status, so when I send them the money I’ll use gift aid to ensure they get the extra 25% too

**p.s in the spirit of openness, I have only run 48 miles in the last 4 months for various reasons: so I’m treating BYU tomorrow as a warm up. No expectations let’s see what happens. I promise I won’t stop until I’m at least half dead though :)