What am I doing and why?

This year, I'll be running the London Marathon in memory of my Dad - Ray Finch. It'll be my first marathon - in my 40th year and on the weekend that would've coincidentally been Dad's birthday weekend. We sadly lost Dad very suddenly last February and life quite simply hasn't been the same without him.

A bit about Dad:

Dad had so many admirable qualities such as authenticity, kindness and thoughtfulness. Most importantly he always had time for others. He always demonstrated these growing up but no more so than after his retirement -at first in our home town of Seaford (Sussex) and then continuing more recently in Wymondham (Norfolk) with Wymondham Baptist Church where, with mum, he was involved in a number of town events and community services.

What's the project and how will it help to support others?

Wymondham Baptist Church is a fantastic place, run by the loveliest of people, that want to serve and support the community of Wymondham. They opened Roots Community Café in 2017. The café has up to 100 people coming through the doors every Wednesday and Friday from all age groups and backgrounds. It is a support network first, and a café second; priding itself on offering a safe place and taking extra time to welcome those who arrive alone. The high number of volunteers is key to the success, and talking to people has already led to them offering other support e.g. pay it forward board, free lunch boxes during lockdown, contact calls and much more. Speaking personally, I can tell you: the coffee, food and friendship offered there are all fantastic and I highly recommend a visit if you haven't already!

The church currently uses the hall to host most of their community services and town events, but this requires daily setting up and packing away of furniture and equipment to accommodate the changing uses. As their services have gained momentum and more people are coming through the door, they have found the building is struggling to accommodate the growth.

As a retired architect, Dad had drawn plans for a building extension to reach the local community. His plans are still on display, with his distinctive handwriting style, on the wall of the church hall / café. Whilst the project has many aims in mind, it's main aim is to help those in the rapidly growing community experiencing loneliness.

Sadly, Dad won't ever get to see these drawings become a reality.

Obviously, my contribution to this cause is miniscule but I've found the feeling that I can help with something towards it on Dad's behalf comforting.

Please don't feel you have to sponsor me. If you've simply spent a few minutes reading this... great. If, after reading this, you go and visit Roots Community Café... even better. But at the same time, I know your sponsors and words of encouragement will help to motivate me to keep going both in the training and during the event.

Thank you.