What is this all about?
Celeste and Joe are running a marathon. More specifically, they are both running a half marathon, in the form of the BUPA Birmingham Half-Marathon. But add up the miles. It makes a whole marathon. So there.

Who am I giving my money to?
We’re raising money for a Wolverhampton (our hometown) based charity called Central Youth Theatre. It’s the youth theatre we were both part of when we were teeny, and is in constant need of support as its funding is cut year on year. The youth theatre works with 8-25 year olds, nurturing their abilities and inspiring them to shape the cultural life  in innovative, dynamic and diverse artistic ways. The director, Jane Ward, has just received an MBE for her tireless work and dedication over the last 30 years.

When and where?
Sunday 20 October 2013, Central Birmingham.

Why are you doing this?
Celeste: I joined Central Youth Theatre when I was 10, and don’t feel like I have ever truly left. I am now 24. I would not be where I am today without CYT. It lit up a curiosity in me that has continued to grow. I have been shuffling around in the performing arts since leaving university and am now giving it a full-throttle go. I have Jane Ward, and the many people that passed through, to thank for that.  CYT gives young people in Wolverhampton an opportunity to find a place for themselves and learn some important skills that they can apply not just to the performing arts but to most things. It’s open and accepting, but at the same time it challenges members to stretch themselves and try new things. I truly is a great cause: anything you can give is appreciated, I know it will be put to good use.

Joe: CYT made me who I am today. Prior to joining, I was coasting along at a school where I didn’t feel I belonged, where I wasn’t being pushed. Joining CYT changed my life: it gave me the confidence to push myself further, and a desire to pursue a career in the arts. But it is not just for those wishing to pursue a career in the arts. The confidence and social skills you develop are essential in all walks of life.

Through my time at CYT, Jane Ward, the director of, became a surrogate mother, as she does to so many who pass through its doors. For 30 years, she has fought funding cuts and recessions to provide a wide range of Drama for 8-25 year olds. This year she was rewarded for her work with an MBE, but again CYT is in desperate need of some financial assistance.

 

How are you feeling about the run?
Celeste: Yesterday a woman that can’t have been younger than seventy jogged past me. This has caused me to re-think my expectations. A couple of months ago I harboured secret hopes of beating Joe to the finish line, but that ship has definitely sailed. 

Joe: Terrified. Part of me thinks: the quicker I do it, the quicker it is over. But trying to tell my legs that after 11 miles won’t be easy.