I am running the London Marathon on 24^th April to raise funds for Charterhouse-in-Southwark, a charity whose purpose is to develop and grow the capabilities, aspirations, and horizons of children and young people, as well as caring for the elderly, in the London Borough of Southwark. While it is local to London – its impact is far-reaching.

Q: What is the challenge, and why are you doing this?

I have a target to raise £1,800. I have never run a marathon before, neither do I consider myself a ‘serious’ runner. However if I beat my target, I will pledge to run the 42km distance in the tradition of the original runner, the Greek soldier Pheidippides: running it in minimal footware (so-called ‘barefoot’).

I work locally in the Borough of Southwark so have had a connection to the area for a number of years. More importantly, I believe in the charity’s mission (more on this below).

Q: How will funds create an impact?

Charterhouse-in-Southwark finances a number of initiatives covering community engagement; provision of carers; employment and study advice; apprenticeship programmes; drug education; as well as work and social opportunities. These are delivered through specialist partner organisations with whom the charity has close links.

Specific examples of recent work include (for more, please visit www.charterhouse-in-southwark.org):

• Musical instrument lessons for young people who can’t afford to attend paid-for lessons (via the initiative ‘Borough Music School’)
• Training for volunteer drug educators for young people who want to help those who suffer with addiction and Southwark (via the organisation ‘Hope UK’)
• Drama activities and performance for young people who don’t have the opportunity to attend these classes otherwise (via ‘Playhouse Young Company’)
  
• Competitive football that builds resilience and leadership among young people, and breaks down social barriers through mixing players from different local housing estates (via ‘Greenhouse London Football Club’)
  

Q: How will funds be used?

Charterhouse-in-Southwark operates as a ‘virtual charity’ raising funds and channelling these to a range of initiatives. With one part-time employee whose costs are already covered by a donation, this means that every penny raised goes straight towards funding the charity’s important mission.

Q: Are YOU contributing?

Yes! In addition to my blood, sweat and tears, I have donated £300 to the charity by registering myself for the London Marathon.

Q: I would like to sponsor you, but I don’t really feel a connection to this particular cause. Can I fund a different charity?

Yes! If you donate via this JustGiving page, I am happy to provide matching funds either to my ‘default alternative’ charity – Save the Children (who is doing much needed work for children in desperate circumstances around the world) – or to another charity of your choice (please indicate your preference in the message form which is part of the donation process).

Q: How does donating via JustGiving work?

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.