Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page!

I am running the London Marathon for Age UK Waltham Forest, a local charity that provides invaluable support to older residents in the borough.

Although small in size, they make a huge difference to the lives of older people in Waltham Forest. They offer local, personalised support where larger national charities often cannot, always ensuring that the needs of older people come first and helping them to remain independent for as long as possible.

There are 2.5 million people over the age of 50 living in London, and it is estimated that 24% of them are living in poverty. While poverty levels among younger people in London are decreasing, the number of older people entering poverty is, unfortunately, increasing. Alongside the challenges of poverty, older people are also more likely to experience social isolation and poorer physical health.

Age UK Waltham Forest provides practical support to help address these challenges for people aged 50 and over in the borough. Their excellent Information and Advice service helped 1,411 people access additional benefits and receive guidance on a wide range of issues.

With the help of many dedicated volunteers, they also provide a befriending service to 276 older people, offering weekly home visits to isolated older people and much-needed companionship. In addition, they run a wide range of activities, exercise classes, and social events, all aimed at reducing loneliness and social isolation. Without these services, many older people might go weeks without seeing a friendly face.

Any donations are greatly appreciated and I will be trying my best come marathon day but I do only have little legs :)