Erin's Marathon Match

It's not very often I'm lost for words, but this is one of those occasions. Yesterday I took the 5 1/2 hour journey from Lancashire to Durham to support Erin's Marathon Match. An event to celebrate the life of Erin Bates whilst also raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust and The Great North Children's Hospital - Children's Cancer Fund. 

I went to support the event, help if necessary and watch Football Futures Young Leaders of Durham deliver their latest project/ event. I was there amongst hundreds of others who had come together to celebrate Erin's life and help to fund-raise. There were numerous football matches, festivals going on for all age groups, bouncy castles, zorb football, face painting, hula hooping, raffles, auctions - something for all of the family. 

Yesterday's event was incredibly overwhelming to be a part of. To see football used to bring an entire community together, was fantastic and something which I doubt I'll see replicated.. well until next year! Sure there was a common interest in football for most, but that whole event was inspired by 1 person. 1 person who has inspired and influenced so many over the last year - to create the event last year, and continue that this year in her memory. Continuing the unbelievable fundraising which Erin started last year to help her legacy stay strong and continue for the foreseeable future. 

Yesterday over £7,450 was raised for the 2 organisations. I still don't know whether that figure is overwhelming, or just remembering the support showed on the day. 

The word legacy is thrown around quite a lot, maybe too much at times. But through the event yesterday and influence Erin had on so many in such a short period of time, it shows that anyone can make a difference. 

I'm incredibly proud to have been at the event, and to be able to witness what can happen through the power of young people. Sometimes, we're overlooked, but given the opportunity anything can happen!

A huge congratulations to the Football Futures Young Leaders of Durham FA for creating such a wonderful event in just a few short weeks. If it wasn't for them and the volunteers who gave up their time to keep stalls going, the event wouldn't have been such a success.

29th August 2015 is already saved in my Diary, I look forwards to supporting the Marathon Event next year and seeing how the event will develop to be bigger and better!

'Inspiration is contagious, you just have to be around the right people to catch it.'

End of Season Review 2013/14

So I decided to do something different for my end of season review. If you can stand my accent please have a watch!