Why I am running 320km to The Learning Awards 2021

Well, Happy New Year Everyone! I am sure, like me, you are hoping this year is better for us all than last year. I sincerely hope that this year brings you all renewed hope, improved mental health, and happiness.

For me, and for many of the team here at LPI, this time of year is all about preparing for The Learning Awards, which traditionally takes place in London, in February. This has been the case for the last 24 years. But this year will be different, as we look to provide an online awards event like no other, and I can promise you that we are working hard to do just that.

Those who have attended The Learning Awards previously will be aware that one of the highlights of the night is the charity auction in aid of Dreamflight which each year raises thousands for this amazing organisation. The charity genuinely changes lives; through taking children with a serious illness or disability without their parents on a holiday of a lifetime in Orlando, Florida.

Over the years I have been privileged to hear some of the stories of children who have been on the trip, and even those who have gone on to become Paralympic champions like Liz Johnson. These stories have deeply affected me, and been a constant reminder that adversities can be overcome, and that we are capable of so much when we put our minds to it.

Despite not being able to host the charity auction in person, together at The Hilton, Park Lane, London, it is possible to raise money and support the incredible work Dreamflight do. So on New Year's Day I decided to start my journey to The Learning Awards 2021, by running from my home to The Hilton, Park Lane. Due to Covid restrictions, I cannot leave the Tier 4 area I am in, but will be running the equivalent distance.

You can track my progress on Strava if you wish, by searching for my name and following. Or you can join the Strava Club I have created on there for people to share and support one another.

In total I will need to run 320 km, which equates to a marathon every week between now and the event on 18th February. So, for an inexperienced runner like myself it is a big ask.

If you can help me, please do. You can either share this blog, or this link to the JustGiving page - or even better, do both and donate if you can. Your donation will absolutely change the life of a young person.

Thank you, and have a great 2021. I look forward to welcoming you online to The Learning Awards 2021 if I can still stand up!