Running the London Marathon 2018

[p]Hi, my name is Louise and the 2018 London Marathon will be my first full marathon experience! [/p][p]I am running on behalf of London Youth Rowing (LYR), a fantastic non-profit charity that enables young people to participate in sport throughout disadvantaged areas of London. The aim is to get inactive young people introduced to and participating in rowing, opening access to an otherwise traditionally niche sport and in turn helping the rowing community become a more diverse and inclusive environment. [/p][p]I personally have a close connection with the charity, since my daughter learned to row through one of LYR’s beginner courses in East London. She went on to join Globe Rowing Club, whose junior squad is coached and run by LYR. She has since become National Indoor Rowing Champion and represented Great Britain on the water too. None of this would have been possible without London Youth Rowing. [/p][p]Her achievements and love for rowing, inspired me to give it a go![/p][p]LYR holds adult learn-to-row courses throughout the summer months, which gives people like me the opportunity to learn a new skill. There is certainly no age limit to taking on a new challenge and gaining confidence through sport. I would never have considered myself able to take part in such a technical and physically demanding sport. Rowing has had such a positive influence on my life.[/p][p]I am now an active member of London Otter’s Rowing Club, and love running as a way to keep fit and healthy. I have completed four half marathons on behalf of various charities in the past, and am now so excited to take on this new challenge in aid of such a unique and influential cause. [/p][p]Please help me raise at least £1500 so that London Youth Rowing can continue to change young people’s lives for the better. [/p]