Sending a huge thank you to Ash Rogers who has raised nearly £3,000 in aid of N-Step Early Intervention [caption id="attachment_3015" align="aligncenter" width="980"] Ash Rogers presenting the fantastic amount he raised to the N-Step team.[/caption] Entering the ballot to run the London Marathon after a few drinks is perhaps not the usual way to do it.
It also isn’t likely very advisable.
Especially if you’re new to running!
However, this is exactly what Ash Rogers did last October.
“I honestly never considered I would be successful!” Yet, successful he was and while the huge shock of the reality of the situation set in, Ash’s wife Rowena couldn’t contain her laughter!
Rowena is a Community Mental Health Nurse for N-Step Early Intervention in Psychosis, so naturally Ash chose this invaluable service to support with his fundraising.
The fundraising really took off well and by March, Ash had already exceeded the initial £1,000 target.
With a month still to go there was just no stopping the sponsorship as donations kept pouring in.
He didn’t only just double the target but has almost tripled it, raising an incredible £2,903 for N-Step!!
Running 26.2 miles for the first time is certainly no walk in the park and Ash committed himself to training hard over the months and completed his very first race in March, the Milton Keynes Half Marathon.
“The training itself has been massive challenge”, commented Ash.
From shin splints early on, to a knee injury towards the end, he charged on through with some physio and painkillers.
“There’s a real buzz unlike anything else to be a part of the London Marathon, hearing people shouting from the tunnels as you run”.
Ash came in to present the fantastic amount he’s raised to the N-Step team.
The whole team showered him with gratitude and praise.
“What you’ve done for us is truly amazing, Ash and we are so grateful,” said Operations Manager, Sue Jugon, “The money you’ve raised will really change lives!” The team explained about the huge impact services like yoga sessions and working on an allotment patch have on the people they treat.
The money raised by Ash will enable the team to continue providing such services as well as to develop a wider variety, such as incorporating musical and performing arts therapies, gym memberships and other leisure and peer-focussed therapy activities including swimming, art and cookery.
Thank you so much, Ash for raising this amazing amount for N’Step and helping to change young lives for the better!
An Ode to Ash - from N-Step This is an ode to a brave man called Ash, Who decided to go for a dash.
He wanted some fun So decided to run, He thought he would do it for Cash - His fund-raising for service users in N-Step, So he really wanted to prep – There was a minor flaw As he hadn’t ran before!
Did he give up … Oh no, not one bit, He jogged until he was fit.
He ran for nearly a year Without fags and not much beer And he ran and ran more, and more – Now the Cash for the dash was for us, And Ash is modest so didn’t want a fuss But we have to shout loud As of you we’re so proud – Because our service users’ dreams and aspirations can become real.
For us N-Step is a Big Deal.
You were never phased £2,903 raised No words truly express how we feel.
You may want to know where the money will go We assure you we will use it to grow - For service users to recover New life skills to discover Our service users want performing arts in their plan, And now we can say ‘yes we can’!
Service users are raring to go Record music and RAP, so you know – The studio’s ready So now we can ‘Get set and Go’.
Look out when our N-Step's Rap's done For our chart topping Number One!
That's just the start As new ventures and creative recovery is a big part of what we do - Allotments, yoga, boxing and healthy walks Life experiences and educational talks Just look what you have accomplished Ash, With your 26.2 miles, 42.1 kilometre Dash.
I think we must mention before the end of this Ode, We hear, for you Ash, it's not the end of the road - The next fundraising challenge you have in line Is to take on the challenge of the Serpentine And of course, like this one, where do you begin?
Right from the start - you're learning to Swim!
We all can learn one thing from you We can learn - If you believe you can You can do - You're a true example, we applaud you Ash.
You made it, you did it, Your 26.2 mile London Marathon Dash - What an achievement - Good on ya Ash!
We give you High Fives as this is a fact You'll change people's lives for your selfless act - And for that, Ash without more ado - On behalf of us all at N-Step A Massive THANK YOU!
Sue Jugon Operations Manager