I am David Lombard, a South African who was born in Potchefstroom, went to school in Pietersburg and went back to Potch for university. I have lived in London since April 1998. I work for Davis Langdon LLP, multi-disciplinary construction cost consultants, whose London office is based in Holborn. The YMCA England also has an office in Holborn, and both these companies are part of the Holborn Business Partnership. In early December last year, a few months after I started getting passionate about running again, I noticed a YMCA ad in the HBP newsletter for Golden Bond places in the 25th Anniversary London Marathon and decided to apply.
In order to get a Golden Bond place, runners have to raise money for a chosen charity. The YMCA is a charity committed to helping young people, regardless of race, gender or religion, particularly in times of need. They provide housing, support, education and training.
I have to raise a minimum of £1,100 for this good cause. Of course, anything over that amount would be even better!
£15 could provide an hour of counselling for a traumatised young person
£25 could provide a night's emergency accommodation
£40 could help pay for a half-day job search workshop to get a young person back into work or training
£100 could help heat a YMCA hostel during the winter
£500 could provide a residential training course to build confidence and gain skills
With five weeks to go before the Big Day, nerves are getting tense, and muscles tight! Apart from a niggle here and there, all is going well though. I took part in the Flora London Half Marathon today -- running around the racetrack at Silverstone (thus fulfilling another dream!), finishing in just under 1 hour 45 minutes.
I attach a photo too, as requested. Please let me know if all of this is alright or whether you need more information. I have set up a fundraising website which is totally secure and very easy to use. If anybody wanted to make a donation they must please visit www.JustGiving.com/DavidLombard. It goes for a great cause, and would be greatly appreciated
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