A Half Marathon –– in a WEEK?

Alistair Metcalfe is raising money for The Oasis Centre

Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon 2025 · 21 September 2025 ·

The Oasis Centre is a community day centre based in Gorton, East Manchester (top 1% of most deprived in UK). We are a lifeline for over 100 people a week including families on benefits, the homeless, people struggling with alcohol or drug misuse and mental health issues, asylum seekers and refugees.

Story

On the spur of the moment – and perhaps a little foolishly – last weekend I signed up to do the Ipswich Half Marathon coming up THIS SUNDAY. (Relax, our fantastic team at St A’s has got everything covered there!)

The thought occurred that as well as it being a challenge to prepare for a half marathon in a week, it could also be a challenge to see how much I could raise in one week for the wonderful Oasis Centre in East Manchester, for which I am Chair of Trustees.

If you’ve not yet heard me waxing lyrical about Oasis, watch this beautiful video for a glimpse – https://youtu.be/5aQD67KBWwc?si=Lau0GpFuzlHj4TSc

Our work is class-leading, award-winning and most importantly, transformational for hundreds of people every year. It is quite simply the best expression of the kingdom of God breaking into the lives of the last, the least and the lost I’ve ever come across.

I’d be so encouraged if you’d take a second to give a gift, small or large, to help Oasis and cheer me on this Sunday. Thank you!

Your friend,

Al

***

The Oasis Centre is a lifeline to hundreds of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in one of the most deprived areas in the UK - Gorton, East Manchester.

On a daily basis they support “anyone who has a heartbeat” and help restore broken lives through a holistic approach offering five key programmes - Crisis Support, Wellbeing, Education, Work Club and Next Steps Volunteering.

As an adult day centre they see people struggling with a range of issues including exploitation, crushing debt, mental health difficulties, homelessness and addiction.

Donation summary

Total
£1,320.10
+ £286.28 Gift Aid
Online
£1,270.10
Offline
£50.00

Charities pay a small fee for our service. Learn more about fees