Help Build Hope: Project 5:14 Half Marathon Challenge

I'm walking a half marathon to raise funds for Project 5:14 – a community initiative like no other. Initiated by Alive City Church, this project aims to raise £1 million to purchase, renovate, and build a community hub in Croydon that will transform lives and bring hope to our borough. Alive City Church has been working closely with the council, who support our place-based prevention approach to address many of the challenges Croydon faces with services tailored to local needs.

Why Croydon Needs This:

A borough is facing serious challenges:

- 29% of pupils (16,720 children) are eligible for free school meals

- 1 in 3 children live in relative poverty

- 5th highest domestic abuse rate in London (21.3 per 1,000 population)

- Rising homelessness and social isolation

- Declining community spaces and empty buildings in the town centre

Behind these statistics are real people: families struggling to make ends meet, young people lacking safe spaces, and individuals facing isolation. Croydon needs a place to come together, find support, and build hope.

What is Project 5:14?

Inspired by Matthew 5:14 – "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden" – Project 5:14 will create a beacon of hope in Croydon.

The Vision: A vibrant community hub that will:

- Create a permanent home for community-building activities and support services

- Provide safe spaces for young people to develop and thrive

- Support families facing hardship with practical help and encouragement

- Boost local the economy by transforming an empty building into a hub of hope

- Build community connections that combat isolation and strengthen our borough

- Establish a lasting legacy of service and support in Croydon

Progress So Far

The Alive City Church community has already raised over £100,000 toward the £1 million goal. Every contribution brings us closer to making this vision a reality.

Join Me in Making a Difference

Project 5:14 is building more than a building – we're building hope, community, and a brighter future for Croydon.

Every mile I walk, every pound you donate, brings us one step closer to a Croydon where everyone has access to support and hope.

Whether it's £5 or £500, every contribution helps create a space where lives will be transformed.

Donate today and help transform Croydon.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." – Matthew 5:14

Target: £1,000,000 | Every step counts | Every donation makes a difference