Richard runs 5k!

Please note: this post is 104 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

Richard is a regular at South London Cares social clubs. He always comes full of energy, enthusiasm and with words of wisdom for his younger neighbours. If he’s not sharing his favourite poem with you, he’s probably reciting Shakespeare, or simply reminding you of the value in slowing down.

Richard adores the company of his younger neighbours, telling us: “I love it when I to go one of your things. You really feel you are being carried forward. You are not being left behind." 

And he's in awe of the lengths that you guys go to in support of South London Cares. Whether it's a 50km walk, a week long triathlon or holding a bake sale, Richard always responds with amazement. 

So much so, that inspired by his friends at South London Cares, Richard decided to take on a challenge of his own. 

On Saturday 4th June, Richard participated in Brockwell Park ParkRun (a 5km course) to raise money for South London Cares activities. With pretty bad arthritis in his back and having not walked - let alone jogged - that distance in a long time, Richard was understandably anxious about the event. But like a true pro, he prepared himself with a training regime complete with walks, a good diet and plenty of sleep. 

Now there was just the small matter of completing the race. 

If there’s a quality Richard has in abundance, it’s determination. So when the big day came, Richard was ready. Thinking he’d be by himself during the race, he’d prepared a list of songs to sing to keep motivated around the 5km. So you can image his surprise when Robyn, Alex and his South London Cares friends were there to greet him at the start line, ready to cheer him along. 

9am came, and Richard began his race. Accompanied by his daughter Ruth, and Morgan and Emily from South London Cares, he started to walk and jog the two laps of Brockwell Park. 

Cheers from Amelia, Mat and Simon gave him boots of confidence. Words of encouragement from his fellow ParkRun participants caused him to break out in a jog. Beautiful signs from Iana, praise from James and clapping by Rene made Richard throw his hands in the air in delight. And when we got to the halfway point and asked Richard if he wanted to stop, he said “Stop? We’re only just beginning.”

1 hour and 26 minutes later, and Richard crossed the finish line to huge applause. He was the 274th runner to complete the 5km. And as we sat and enjoyed a delicious cake prepared by volunteer Lorna, he reflected on his achievement.

Or rather, your achievement. Because Richard wasn't boasting about the incredible challenge he'd just completed. He was praising, thanking and congratulating you - his South London Cares friends - for helping him around. 

It was the company, conversation and companionship of his young neighbours that got Richard around the 5km. Your support – whether as a fellow runner, or via a donation, or simply words of encouragement – gave him the confidence to complete the challenge. 

Richard describes himself as an ‘ordinary man’. but I think you’ll agree he’s anything but. Richard, you’re an inspiration to us all. Thank you for taking on this challenge in aid of South London Cares. You should be immensely proud. 

If you’d like to support Richard, you can click here to see his fundraising page.

If you'd like to hang out with Richard, Rene and your older neighbours, come to one of our social clubs. 

Thank you to Clare and the team at Brockwell Park ParkRun for all of your support, encouragement and kindness.