Simon's running the London Marathon for Open Door

Update 23rd April.

We did it, what an amazing weekend and thank you all so much for your donations.

Simon and Sophie

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Update: 10th April

I am overwhelmed by the incredible show of support from every single one of you. Your generous donations have been amazing, and I am beyond thankful for your sponsorship.

As many of you know, running is a passion of mine, but the preparation for this event has presented challenges far beyond what I had ever anticipated.

In just 11 days, hopefully, I will be nearing the finish line. My bib number for this event is 72545, so make sure to look out for me if you're tuning in. If you're planning to be there in person, I would be thrilled to know.

I am thrilled to announce that today, we reached a milestone - we broke the £2000 mark! This is a monumental achievement for such a great organisation. To keep the momentum going, I've increased the fundraising target. So, please continue spreading the word and sharing. Together, let's hit this target out of the park.

Thank you all, once again, for your kindness and generosity. Let's keep going, and let's make this happen!

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Just under 2 weeks to go now!

Please continue help me raise as much money as possible for Open Door.

Sophie and I were also on local radio a few weeks back:

https://podcast.canstream.co.uk/gatewayfm/index.php?id=39117

We start at 36:56.

Thank you so much for all the support.

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Update 22nd March

Hi all, it's been an amazing week for donations and Sophie and I are grateful for all those that have sponsored us so far.

Let's continue to raise as much as we can for this great charity.

Simon and Sophie

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As a father of 2 I lace up my trainers for this year's London Marathon in support of a truly stand-out local charity, Open Door. Not one to miss out, my daughter Sophie will also be lacing up her trainers the day before to run the Mini London Marathon.

You may not know but one in five children and young people in England aged eight to 25 had a probable mental disorder in 2023. The Mental Health of Children and Young People in England 2023 report, published by NHS England (https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/mental-health-of-children-and-young-people-in-england/2023-wave-4-follow-up), found that 20.3% of eight to 16-year-olds had a probable mental disorder in 2023. Among 17 to 19-year-olds, the proportion was 23.3%, while in 20 to 25-year-olds it was 21.7%.

Open Door (https://opendoorservices.org) is an independent charity, providing vital help and support for children and young people in Essex. Including mental health & wellbeing, advocacy for Children in Care, mentoring and Housing advice, support.

Since 1978 Open Door provided much needed valued services for the people in Thurrock. They help on average 4,500 people each year. Open Door was originally set up to provide help and support services for young people, families and vulnerable adults in Thurrock. As a local charity with well-established roots in the community, they develop and deliver very successful supportive services through collaborative partnership working, both with communities and other organisations, including Thurrock Council, Probation and Essex County Council.

Open Door relies on the generosity of its supporters to enable them to deliver much needed services at the cost of over £660k per year.

Join Sophie and I in making a lasting difference for Open Door – every contribution matters. Please share this message onward, and don't forget to cheer me on for the marathon!

Wish me luck.

Simon