Gift A copy of Run Like A Girl

One of the greatest privileges of being a Paralympian is getting to put something back.

Sharing my story at schools, speaking to children, and answering questions from who my biggest role model is to what I ate for breakfast, is just the most rewarding, entertaining and humbling part of the job.
 
But getting the opportunity to visit schools all across the UK has given me an insight into the postcode lottery that is our school system. Sometimes a matter of miles separates an affluent school from one struggling for funds. Tired sports halls with gym mats bursting at the seams, the stuffing hanging out. Tiny concrete playgrounds, devoid of greenery. Faded PE kits sporting holes.
 
“Dream big,” I say. “Work hard. Don’t give up.” And at every school I visit, children share their aspirations and ambitions with me. 
 
“I want to be a dancer.”
 
“I want to go to the Olympics.”
 
“I’m going to cure cancer.”
 
Every person on this planet is capable of achieving incredible things given the right opportunity. I truly believe this.
 
But… some of us are given more opportunity than others. 
 
The stats are simply heart-breaking. Children from more deprived areas are three times less likely to get involved in out-of-school sports activities – cost, access, space all barriers to this. Even in schools, the opportunities available differ wildly depending on where you are. 
 
It’s not just sport where children in living poverty are at a disadvantage. The National Literacy Trust found that almost 400,000 children in the UK don’t own a book. Not one single book! 
 
So, here’s the thing… I need your help. 
 
I’m asking you to gift a copy of Run Like A Girl to a child who might not be able to afford it otherwise.
 
£9.99 covers the cost of a book. I’m not doing this as a quick way to make a profit, a cheeky scheme to piggyback on generous contributions. For every copy of a book gifted I will match it with one of my own.
 
Because I know how powerful it is when you equip young people with the right tools. Without the support of many, many people I wouldn’t have achieved a fraction of what I have, or continue to do so today. Nobody achieves on their own, but when we are given the chance to do so the possibilities are endless. 
 
The wonderful team at The Mintridge Foundation will be supporting this initiative to help distribute copies of Run Like A Girl, making sure that they end up in the hands of those who will really benefit from stories of inspiring role models. I have some BIG plans to continue supporting the Mintridge Foundation (watch this space!) to fund more of their brilliant sports and mentorship schemes, specifically for young people living in areas of deprivation. 
 
This is not a solution, but it is a start. I cannot do this alone and I am beyond grateful for any contribution you are able to make.
 

Just Giving

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You can learn more about The Mintridge Foundation here.
 
Run Like A Girl
All over the world, female athletes are breaking barriers, pushing limits and achieving amazing things, but where did their journeys begin? And what challenges did they have to overcome to get where they are today? 
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Run Like a Girl is a collection of fascinating biographical stories told of 50 highly successful sportswomen, from boxing superstar Nicola Adams to record-breaking yachtswoman Ellen MacArthur and fearless mountain biker Rachel Atherton. As well as giving an insight into their influences, motivations and achievements, each story reminds us that failing can teach us just as much as winning; success isn't limited to the sports field; and 'running like a girl' can lead you all the way to the top. 
 
AGES: 7 to 12