The Clubhouse Challenge - 12 marathons, 12 months

The Clubhouse Challenge that I am attempting is 'simply' to run a marathon, every month, for a whole year. 12 marathons, 12 months and believe me I will need every bit of support and encouragement to do it! The ultimate aim... to raise as much money as possible and to get a clubhouse built for Thurlaston... finally!

As a devoted ‘Magpie’ of old and being ‘Thurlo’ through and through, I wanted to give something back to the much-loved community club and registered charity, THURLASTON FOOTBALL CLUB.

My connection with the club started as a player at the age of 21 and I am currently the coach of the mighty Thurlaston U8 Raptors, (above). I am now knocking on for 40 (this year) and I have decided to set myself a challenge that I hope is worthy of the reward of getting a clubhouse built at Thurlaston's ground. It has been a long-term dream of many a player and committee member, past and present, and I hope we can make happen!

As a community club, it has given so much to so many young and developing footballers and coaches over the years. It is a family club at its heart and is supported by many volunteers who give their valuable time and energy to create the most rewarding environment for all children to develop and grow. And most importantly they have fun doing it too... the kids as well!

So this is the plan, this is the challenge, at least in principle, and all dates are subject to change. I have two organised marathons up first. Rotterdam on April 16th and then Edinburgh on May 28th. I will then, after a little rest, look to run a local marathon or 'MaraDan'.

I will log all the runs on my Strava profile (below) and will of course update this page so you can track progress as well as donate to your heart's content.

https://www.strava.com/athletes/21497692

Due to the scale of the fundraising, we are looking for businesses to support the cause and help deliver this clubhouse to the community. I will be happy to run any of the marathons in honour of any business wishing to support us!

I will also look to add some more official marathons, as and when I can, to help raise the profile of the challenge, but if not, keep your eyes peeled for the sweaty bloke, not built for running, plodding around the local area, trying to deliver the so-called 'Impossible Dream'.

It will be no small task to raise the necessary funds and build a clubhouse at the ground, but every penny will count. My challenge is perhaps not of equal measure to raising the actual funds but is of a scale that I hope will make a significant step towards achieving it for the club and most importantly, for the children that will play there for many years to come!

Please join me in making a difference to benefit THURLASTON FOOTBALL CLUB. Any donation will help make an impact and please select Gift Aid too as the club is eligible to benefit from this. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause which means so much to me and to many, many more.

Wish me luck :)