Helen’s story

This isn’t Helen’s first rodeo running for Coin Street. Last year, Helen took part in the Big Half, raising funds for Coin Street’s youth night – a memorable moment at mile 8 bumping into Sadiq Khan on the roadside! Helen’s love for running continues, finding a moment of calm in an otherwise busy life.

“With so many complicated problems both at home and at work, and ‘never enough hours in the day’ as my mum used to say, running is the antidote – simply one foot in-front of another for a really long time.”

The 26.2 mile long (42.195 km to be precise) London Marathon is a mental and physical challenge for even the most experienced of runners. Helen has been training hard to make sure she is ready to cross that finish line on Sunday 27 April. It's fantastic to have a dedicated member of Coin Street’s leadership team involved with fundraising, demonstrating true leadership, and inspiring others to aim high and challenge themselves.

Please join us in showing your appreciation for Helen and give generously to a great cause. Thank you!

P.S. Track Helen’s progress from the comfort of your armchair on the day via the London Marathon app. Her bib number is 58554, under Helen Branch.

About Coin Street’s social programme for older adults

Coin Street is at the heart of the community in Waterloo and North Southwark. The Coin Street neighbourhood centre and Colombo Centre provide safe, warm, and welcoming spaces for over 234+ older adults each year, participating in our health, wellbeing, and social programme. Activities range from art, dance, gardening, fitness, coffee mornings, community singing, movie nights, crafts, park walks, boat parties, Young At Heart annual party, inter-generational dinners, trips to the seaside and more!

We have witnessed first-hand the decline in the physical and mental health of older people in our community, exasperated by the cost-of-living crisis. Some are finding it more and more difficult to leave the house, with increase in transport costs. Others do not have relatives living close by and are becoming socially isolated.

That’s why free community activities like those at Coin Street are vital for older adults, promoting social engagement, combating loneliness, and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Activities take place weekly, and throughout the year, allowing older people to establish a routine, and form connections with their peers and our community workers. They are a lifeline.

Please donate and help to keep Coin Street's social programme going. Your donation will make a difference to an older person in Waterloo and North Southwark. Thank you.