Tidal Diamond 779

The Andrew Simpson Foundation’s Marketing & Communications Manager, Sally Turner, will be running the London Marathon to raise funds for the PSTT.
Sally is hoping to raise £1,500 for PSTT. To show your support for Sally and the work of PSTT, head over to Sally’s fundraising page to donate: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SallyTurner18. Here’s what she had to say about the event:

“I am running the London Marathon for Portsmouth Sail Training Trust, a Charity working to raise young people’s aspirations though maritime training.

My Story

I’ve been messing about on boats in the Solent since the age of 3. From age 5, my little brother and I used to embark with our parents on what I remember as cold, wet but exciting adventure day trips over to the Isle of Wight on our 14ft “Lark” sailing dinghy “Tuskar Terror”.

By the time I was 10, my parents chartered navy yachts 2 or 3 times a year and we were lucky enough to sail all over the Solent area from Chichester Harbour, to Poole and Studland Bay. Our biggest adventure was to the Channel Islands – sailing back in a near Hurricane just to make it to school the next day after the holidays!

It wasn’t until the age of 13, that I finally attended my first ‘official’ dinghy training course at Whale Island in a “Topper”. I now realise how a sense of adventure was deeply rooted in me by some incredible and challenging experiences from a young age. How fortunate I was to have the opportunity to develop practical skills, confidence and most importantly independence through my experience on the water (although I didn’t think so at the time!). I went on to study Marine and Freshwater Biology.

Why I am running for PSTT

I am now working for PSTT (amongst other organisations) as part of my job. PSTT is an incredible charity which is run solely by dedicated volunteers, with the support of the Andrew Simpson Foundation. PSTT enables young people from all walks of life to gain maritime qualifications, develop key life skills and raise their aspirations with all potential barriers removed. PSTT’s work is now more important than ever following the impact Covid-19 has had, and continues to have, on our young people. A donation of £25 would enable 1 young person to attend a PSTT session.

I know, from my own experiences, the thrill of learning to sail in Portsmouth Harbour and the life-long confidence it brings to self-belief and ability alone. I am now so excited (and a little nervous!) to take on another personal challenge and run the London Marathon and couldn’t be more proud to do this in support of such a great charity, helping more young people realise their full potential as I did.

The marathon is taking place on Sunday 3rd October and I will be updating this page with information about my training over the next few months. Updates will also be posted on the PSTT facebook page so do take a look: https://www.facebook.com/PortsmouthSTT.

I have never run a marathon before and know that this is going to be a big challenge for me, especially having three young children at home myself, often accompanying me for training runs on their bikes! Any donation, not matter how large or small, will really spur me on by making a huge difference to the lives of many young people of Portsmouth.

Thank you!”