The heavens opened and the winds blew on Europe and the South East of England.

I am in Docklands, London at 8.00am thinking; why did I agree to do this in October?!

However, I and about 800 hundred fellow runners seemed really up for the Hotelympia 10K run around Docklands. We were running on behalf of Springboard, a charity helping teenagers get worthwhile careers in the hotel and catering industry. The industry needs more qualified people and teenagers need good jobs, simple!

In spite of the weather, though I say it myself, I didn’t do too badly! In fact my best 10K time ever at 52 minutes; I think credible for a 52 year old. More importantly, we raised some valuable funds for the charity, not sure of the total but based on what my fantastic sponsors put up, quite a total.

From my part, this industry has given me a very exciting, always challenging career. To give that opportunity to another young person is fantastic. It is a very demanding of time and commitment industry; but if you stick with it, it can reward you and some.

After all we will always need to eat and we all prefer to eat well.

Thank you to my sponsors and the organisers.

Steven Watts
stevenwatts@reviewconsultancy.co.uk