Running for VICTA…

pace designer Tom will be pounding the streets of London come April 21st as he has landed a place in the London Marathon 2013!

Tom said;
“My target is to raise £2,000 for VICTA – a charity who look after blind and partially sighted children, just like my son Billy. He has a condition called nystagmus and is partially sighted so this is a charity close to my heart.

“I will be attempting to raise £2,000 in a variety of ways, bag packing at Tesco, car washing, quiz nights and raffles, but if anyone has any other interesting money-raising ideas I would love to hear from them.

“It is a scary looking amount of money at the moment but with everyone helping I know we can get there. ”

Tom started running for charity 10 years ago and has raised money for Bristol Children’s Hospital, Clic and more recently the Sue Ryder Hospice at Moggerhanger which supported his late father Michael in his final days.

He is appealing for sponsorship and support from family, friends, local businesses and sporting clubs. Some have already pledged their support, including pace, several members of staff at Alliance Homes and Petros Charalambous from Clevedon’s Scoozi Restaurant.

Three or four times a week Tom can be spotted running around Clevedon, and his weekend run incorporates the coast road, the Lakegrounds at Portishead, Clapton Lane and Nortons Wood Lane.

He said: “I decided 5 years ago that I really wanted to take part in the London Marathon, it’s the pinnacle for runners and has done such fabulous things for charities over the years. I feel really lucky to have found a place with VICTA, they are a tremendous charity and rely almost solely on the London Marathon for donations. I really don’t have a target time-wise, just finishing will be an achievement! However, I would be delighted to get under four hours, my uncle managed this back in the 80s which he enjoys reminding me about whenever we get together!

Tom said he is thinking of dyeing his hair the VICTA rainbow colours for his run when the whole family will be in London to cheer him on and we think this should be encouraged!!