On May 18 2025, I will be running the AJ Bell Great Manchester Half Marathon for charity.

This is to raise money for the Glossopdale charity The Bureau.

The charity provides much needed community services for local people.

The Glossop and District Volunteer Bureau is Glossop’s only community wellbeing charity, and they have been supporting our community by meeting identified needs since 1979.

But in our post-COVID, cost of living crisis, and technology-riddled world, help for those feeling isolated from the community is more important than ever.

The top reasons for referral are people going through a mental health crisis, who feel isolated, or feel disconnected from the community.

People with housing issues, loneliness, and struggling with independence can also head to the charity for their support.

The Bureau operates across the Glossopdale district and undertakes a range of activities to achieve their aims, including social prescribing, peer support activities, and practical support and advice.

I’m a big believer that the feeling of community in today’s society is fading, but it is amazing charities like this that keeps the feeling of community alive.

I’ve learned this through the countless fundraisers I’ve done for charity in the past year.

This charity has an incredible 300 volunteers that help deliver their services, from music therapy for the elderly, allotment therapy, to men’s and women’s wellness groups.

I’m hoping to raise £500. £500 could pay for the music instruments for their new dementia music therapy group, which would only be the third dementia support group in the Glossop area.

Should you wish to donate cash, a coffee and cake morning will be held at PureGym Glossop from 7am on May 9 2025. Nine days before I take on the 13.1 mile run!

Thank you for this support of this incredible charity!