My Story

I am taking part in the London Marathon 2024 and raising money for Plan International UK.

I am posting this with a heart full of purpose and determination as I embark on a journey that extends beyond personal challenges and triumphs. As many of you will now know I have committed to running the 2024 London Marathon in support of a cause close to my heart, and, as I embark on my fund-raising exploits as part of this I would like to share some of deeply personal reasons behind this decision.
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Running a marathon has always been on my bucket list, but the motivation to turn this dream into a reality took a profound turn more recently. As many of you will know I was unfortunate to be sexually abused when younger. The details of this I have never really shared, and while I am not about to, this is something that impacted me greatly, more than one could ever comprehend, or, that I could ever properly explain. It is something that only in the past 3 years I have managed to make peace with whilst also ensuring this experience now only positively impacts my life. As many of you will also know, I am also a recovering addict (3 years clean), and, as part of my recovery and healing I have undertaken to commit to a lifetime of service. To this end I already serve my recovery fellowship by sponsoring and mentoring other recovering addicts and I have also set up MA Malta (www.marijuana-anonymous.mt). My community here in Malta with the two initiatives around mental health, Isma Habib (www.ismahabib.org) and Bejnietna (www.bejnietna.org). My planet by supporting Neil (I pick up 3 pieces of litter a day is part of my daily practice). And now this initiative as part of my service to the worldwide community.
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I am so so grateful to have the opportunity do the London Marathon with a charity that holds a special place in my life, Plan International UK. Plan International UK is a global children’s charity working to advance children’s rights and equality for girls all over the world. Plan International UK works with girls and boys growing up in some of the world’s poorest communities, making sure they have access to the education, health care, clean water and future opportunities they need to thrive.
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Their unwavering commitment to this cause has inspired me to be able to use this marathon as a platform to make a meaningful impact. Last year the boys and myself decided we wanted to help a child who was less fortunate than ourselves. Initially we found little Elvis from Ghana but sadly we couldn’t sponsor him. After discussing it further we decided we that we wanted to do something for the sisterhood and to help a little girl out. We also felt that it rather defeated the purpose if we were to select someone rather be paired with one. After much research we came across Plan International UK and we were paired with an incredibly sweet 5 year old girl from Ethiopia called Hikma.
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So, as I lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement, every step I take will be fuelled by the belief that I will be contributing to positive changes in the lives of Hikma and other children like her around the world. The kilometers I run are not merely a physical challenge but a testament to the resilience and strength of those children who face suffering and adversity every single day.
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Your support would mean the world to me, not just in terms of reaching my fundraising goal, but in the impact we can collectively create. Each donation is a vote of confidence, a shared belief that together, we can be a force for good on a global scale. Whether it's a small contribution or a generous gift, every penny goes towards specific initiatives or goals of the charity, bringing hope and making dreams possible for those in need.
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This marathon is more than a race; it's a symbol of endurance, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of giving. I carry not only my own dreams but the hopes of those who will benefit from your support. As I cross the finish line, I want to celebrate not just a personal achievement but a collective victory for compassion and change.
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I invite you to join me on this incredible journey – whether through a donation, sharing my story, or sending words of encouragement. Together, I hope we can turn every stride into a step towards a brighter future for children like Hikma all over the world. I will endeavour to document my journey and training as I progress towards the big day on April 21st.
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So, as I start this journey, I want to thank you for being a part of this meaningful endeavour. The support and encouragement that I have already received is the fuel that has and will continue to propel me forward with each step.
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How your support can make a difference:

• £/€ 12 could provide a dignity kit to a girl in Mozambique so they can manage their periods. The kit contains items such as reusable period pads, pairs of underwear, soaps for washing clothes and bathing, Vaseline, a bag and nail clippers.
• £/€ 25 could provide a basic food package to ten families for a week in South Sudan.
• £/€ 55 is enough to support a Positive Parents group in Tanzania for a year, building up parents as allies against FGM and child marriage.

With gratitude and determination Bryn