🏃‍♂️ Our Head Chef Joe Is Running the Folkestone Half Marathon for Age UK HLA! We are delighted to announce that Joe, our passionate and dedicated Head Chef at Age UK Hythe, Lyminge and Ashford (HLA), will be running the Folkestone Half Marathon this September to raise much-needed funds for our organisation and the people we serve. Joe joined Age UK HLA earlier this year, and in a short space of time, he’s become an invaluable member of our team. With a heart for community service and a talent for crafting delicious, nutritious meals, Joe leads our kitchen operations, fuelling not only the bellies but also the spirits of the older people who rely on our services. Now, he’s stepping out of the kitchen and onto the streets to take on a 13.1-mile challenge in support of our mission. 💡

Why Joe Is Running Joe has seen first hand how important our services are to older people, especially those who are isolated, living with dementia, or struggling to remain independent. His daily work puts him in contact with some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

💷 Where the Money Will Go: Every donation to Joe’s fundraising campaign will directly support and strengthen Age UK HLA’s work in the Hythe, Lyminge, Ashford, and surrounding rural areas. Here’s how your generosity will help: 🥘 Meals on Wheels Ensuring hot, nutritious meals are delivered daily to older people who are housebound or recovering from illness. Providing a vital welfare check with each meal — often the only friendly face they’ll see that day. 🧠 Dementia Support Expanding our dementia services. Offering carers and families respite and community, reducing the emotional and physical toll of caregiving. 👟 Day Services & Social Activities Supporting transport and staff for our day centres, where older adults enjoy stimulating activities, hot lunches, and companionship. Running tailored exercise and creative programmes to improve wellbeing and reduce loneliness. 🏠 Independent Living Support Helping older people stay safely at home with help around shopping and domestic support. Offering personalised guidance to remain confident and connected in their communities. 🙌

How You Can Help You can be part of this by: Donating: Every pound brings us closer to a stronger safety net for older people. Sharing Joe’s story: Spread the word on social media or within your networks. Cheering him on: Join us on the day of the run or send him a message of support! ➡️ Donate Now and help Joe cross the finish line — for himself, and for hundreds of older people who rely on Age UK HLA every day. 💬 From the Team at Age UK HLA “Joe is a fantastic example of how one person’s passion and drive can ripple outward and make a real difference. We are so lucky to have him, both in the kitchen and now on the fundraising team!” — CEO, Age UK HLA Let’s rally behind Joe and show him just how much we believe in his mission. Together, we can ensure that no one in later life feels forgotten, lonely or unsupported.