Gavin's Pilgrim Challenge

I'm raising money for Swindon Youth for Christ. A fantastic organisation for which I've been a Trustee for five years. Swindon Youth for Christ exists to share the good news with the young people of Swindon, and to have a positive influence on young people?s lives. Working in schools and on the streets, with young people of all faiths and none to make a difference.

On 2nd February, with God's help, I will undertake one of my greatest challenges running my first ultra-marathon. 33 miles along the North Downs way - following the route the pilgrims used to take to Canterbury. With most of my running done at distances of up to 13 miles this is new territory for me but I'm sure that my training and my faith will help me to the finish.

When I started running some ten years ago I weighed over 17 stone. Since then I've lost five stone, run thousands of miles, experienced highs when I've achieved new milestones and run through some beautiful surroundings and lows when I've been over-coming injuries. Over the same period I rediscovered my faith, having been to church in my youth I'd drifted away during my twenties but having returned to church before getting married I experienced increasing nudges to make a greater commitment and was baptised in 2013.

Running and my faith have changed my life. By sponsoring me you can help Swindon Youth for Christ continue to make positive changes for the young people of Swindon.