Saddlers fan doing the London Marathon for Childhood First...
SADDLERS’ supporter, Clive Bariana will be running this year’s London Marathon on behalf of the Childhood First Charity."Childhood First transform the lives of children and young people who suffer severe emotional and psychological difficulties, so that they can relate well to others, fulfil their potential and enjoy life," he said. "Their website is www.childhoodfirst.org.uk if you would like to find out more.
"I ran the London Marathon last year for another charity and I decided (stupidly) to do it again this year. Even though I ran the marathon last year I am not the fittest person in the world, namely due to too many pints and Balti pies!
"It is not just the 26.2 miles I will be running in April that I have to endure, but also the months of preparation beforehand. It is also the endless pounding of the streets around Walsall every night.
"I generally have to run anything from a quick three miles up to a none-mile run every weekday and then on Sunday anything from Half-Marathon distance up to 22 miles.
"What gets me out my front door is the thought of why I am doing this and the thought that back at home I have my daughter, Boo, cheering me on (I am sure my son, Rocco, would be cheering me on as well but he is only ten months old!).
"I am thankful for the support of my girlfriend, Jody, as I know she feels like a single parent at times - as soon as the kids are in bed I am off running! Believe me when I say that most times I would rather be at home with them than running up the Arboretum hill and around the Broadway!
"To know that I also have the support of The Saddlers’ faithful would be a huge boost. I know times are hard but the old cliché is true that every little helps. Please donate as much as you can. My fund-raising page is www.virginmoneygiving.com/clivebariana. I would be very grateful if you would dig deep to help some children you will never meet, but they are children who need your support."
Everyone at Walsall FC wishes Clive well in his latest challenge...