Legacy
Legacy
Please note: this post is 88 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only
Emily is a regular volunteer for South London Cares and last year, she decided to take on her first half marathon in aid of the charity. In this blog, she reveals what – or more specifically, who – inspired her to pound the pavements.
It was January 2017, and October seemed a long way away when I agreed to run the Royal Parks Half Marathon for South London Cares. It was cold and dark, but I was determined to get good at running in a 'new-year, new-me' fitness drive. I had also just moved to Peckham, and was equally determined to make time to get to know my community.
South London Cares inspired and helped me to do both. Between January and October, I got to know so many amazing older neighbours and dedicated volunteers. Every Social Club, I was reminded of what a fantastic contribution South London Cares makes to the community – and why I needed to get up at 6.30am to go running before work. I was even inspired to attempt a few runs on holiday!
I was so lucky that all of my friends and colleagues were exceptionally generous, so fundraising for the Royal Parks Half Marathon was no issue. I even found out that my workplace matched the first £350 of any fundraising which was an added bonus.
In spite of what all photos seem to show, I had a fantastic time on the day. It was my first ever race, and the first time I had ever run that far, so I was understandably nervous (especially when queues meant that I nearly missed the start!). But as soon as gun went off, the atmosphere was amazing, and it was an incredible privilege to run through the closed off streets of London. I ran far faster that I expected (so quickly that my friends missed me at the finish line!)
I have not done as much running since, but the whole experience was definitely worth it. South London Cares does amazing work to combat loneliness and integrate communities, but it needs money to continue it's activities. If you are thinking of fundraising for South London Cares, do it! It’s so rewarding (and its also a great way to stay committed to those new year fitness plans…!).
Huge thanks to Emily, who raised a fantastic £735 in aid of South London Cares! If you want to take on a challenge and help bring neighbours together in Brixton, Bermondsey and beyond, check out our upcoming challenge events.