Personal message

Hi all, I'm off to London to run a marathon! It's been some time since I last ran a marathon, and London Marathon has been on my list for some time. As you know, getting an entry to this world-class event is extremely difficult, and I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity through Investec. 

After considering numerous excellent organizations, I have selected Gifts of the Givers as my charity. Gifts of the Givers are a humanitarian organization that strives to uplift the most valuable and marginalized communities in South Africa and beyond. Their six focus areas are disaster response, hunger alleviation, water provision, healthcare, education, and human development. So, what inspired Dr Imtiaz Sooliman to create the foundation?

 While in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1992, he received the following message from his spiritual leader: "My son, you will form an organization. The name will be Waqful Waqifin, and that name is translated into 'Gift of the Givers'. You will serve all people of all races, of all religions, of all colours, of all classes, of all political affiliations and any geographical location. You will serve them unconditionally."  

To run the required 42.195 kilometres to complete the London Marathon, my first marathon since 2017, will require a fraction of the dedication shown by Dr Sooliman but a full belief that I can commit to the training necessary to achieve my goal. Training with any long-distance event always takes more dedication than the event itself. The early morning runs and cross training always seem to be a small price for the excitement and nervous energy felt on the start line, the
crowd cheering and motivation, and the pride of crossing the finish line. 

I've heard the atmosphere at this race is among the best of any sporting event globally, and I'm very excited to experience it first-hand.

Thank you for your support and donations! 

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