Sally has been volunteering for a small charity in Bath called VOICES, which is just getting started and in urgent need of funds to survive and thrive. The woman who has set up VOICES asked Sally to ask me whether I'd consider running the Bath Half Marathon.
VOICES is a Bath-based charity founded in 2014 by women who have experience of domestic abuse. They support victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse to recover and thrive, and works to have their voices heard by services and agencies, improving responses to their needs.
With so many good causes out there with such huge environmental and international implications, the smaller, local causes can easily be overlooked.
I questioned whether it was better to raise funds for pressing environmental causes, or Syrian refugees,or something that everyone with a conscience is aware of.
But as I heard about the difficult work of VOICES and the tireless effort of one or two individuals to improve much needed local services, I was persuaded that any funds I can raise through your generosity will be well spent. They'll go to people in distress who need help.
Think global, act local, as the saying goes.
So I need to get a move on and start training more seriously than the odd 2-3 mile run. I'm planning to run every 2-3 days and build up to the 13 mile half marathon on 12 March. People who know what they are doing, told me this is a good idea, along with not running the day before the big event and eating lots of carbs the night before.
Thank you very much for anything you can give. Whether it's money or a few words of encouragement, it's appreciated.