For some time now, I have been a supporter of the work being done by Lord's Taverners.  This charity particularly appeals to me because of the link to cricket, but also because its focus is on empowering young people with disabilities and from disadvantaged communities who face inequality.  We have been fortunate to be able to host events for them, making use of our fabulous cricket facilities, and Mont's House has been directly involved with the charity over recent years as well.  

With their innovative Table Cricket, Wicketz and Super 1s, as well as provision of minibuses and sports kit recycling, they are having an increasing impact.  In 2021, more than 10,000 young people were able to participate in their programmes and this number is growing year on year. Please do read more about the inspirational work of the charity here.

Just before the first lockdown, I took part in the Cambridge Half Marathon, and this inspired me to run more regularly, especially through the lockdowns.  Perhaps this is my mid-life crisis (or one of them!), but I have grown to enjoy running, especially with the dogs, more and more over time.  Last year, I went back to Cambridge, improving on my time by 18 minutes, and then managed to get under 1 hour 30 minutes in the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October.  

So, when the opportunity came up to run the London Marathon (something I swore that I would never do!) on behalf of Lord's Taverners, it was too good an opportunity to miss, and I am currently in training to take part on April 23rd.  I am told that the experience in London is brilliant, with incredible support all round the course, and I am hoping that this will help me to reach a distance that I have never tried before.  

While I know that there are many others running this race, and doing other more impressive things for various charities, if you did feel able to support me in this adventure, my fundraising page can be found here.

I know that it would help me to keep going, and keep on covering those miles, and it would also help my training partners and coaches (Stella and Suzy) to keep me working hard through the coming weeks.

Many thanks for indulging me with a personal message this week,

Chris Townsend
Head, Felsted School