Almost twelve years ago, two teenagers met while volunteering at their local charity shop in Liverpool and became best friends. Fast forward to today, and we're still side by side – now as colleagues in the University of Greenwich Alumni & Fundraising Team, both calling South London home.

I'm Sophie, and I've been a South Londoner for the best part of a decade. Carmen joined me a few years back (as a Crystal Palace local!) and we've been an unstoppable duo ever since. In this time, we have treated chatting much like a sport and so it felt only right that we take part in this marathon march and put to the test if we ever do really run out of things to talk about?

Why We're Marching

This October, we're taking on the Palace for Life Foundation's Marathon March. Why? Because the communities that have shaped us – Liverpool and South London – have taught us the same vital lesson: we rise by lifting others.

Just as we work daily to ensure deserving students get the best start at university, we want to support the incredible grassroots work happening right here in our South London community.

Why Palace for Life Matters

For over 25 years, the Palace for Life Foundation has been using the power of sport and Crystal Palace FC to transform young lives across South London. They're in schools, on estates, and in communities – reaching the young people who need support most but are often hardest to help.

Growing up in south London has never been tougher. But Palace for Life is there, inspiring young people to find better paths, make positive choices, and lead healthier lives.

Your donations will directly fund this vital work – creating real impact for real young people in our community.

Our Marathon Mission

As we tackle the miles ahead, we'll be doing what we do best: talking! But this time, we'll be discussing why community fundraising matters, how sport can change lives, and the power we all have to make a difference.

Every step we take, every pound you donate, brings opportunity to a young person who needs it.

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Join us on this journey

Whether you can spare £5 or £50, your support will help Palace for Life continue reaching young people across South London who need it most.

Wish us luck!

Sophie & Carmen 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️