I sadly lost my father to dementia this month. To do something positive to honour his life and memory, I’ve decided to run the Richmond park Half Marathon and raise money for the Outrunners. My Dad was a really loving man who was passionate about getting young people into physical fitness. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree :)

There’s no way I would have started the Outrunners Charity without my Dad’s example growing up. His kindness and care for young people, and love for movement and sport have been such an inspiration to me. Unfortunately, due to his dementia, I’ve not been able to share The Outrunners’ successes with him. But I know he would be really proud of what the charity has achieved. Just like my Dad in his work, the team at The Outrunners is doing incredible things to help young people who are disadvantaged get moving in their schools and communities, and towards their goals.

So, to honour his life, on Saturday 3rd November, I am going to run the Richmond park Half Marathon and I want to try to raise £5000 for The Outrunners in his memory. This will support our work with 1,000+ young people in the next year, including through our school programme and our community-run clubs. My Dad cared deeply about the power of movement for young people so I know he would be so excited about the difference we can make together - and also about what an organisation like Outrunners is doing for young people in London.

This one is for you, Pops!

Any support would be greatly appreciated 🫶🏾

About the Outrunners

The Outrunners want a world where every young person has access to running and movement and all the benefits they can bring. We’re the UK’s biggest youth-focused running charity, supporting over 550 young people last year with running and movement activities year-round. But we’re more than just a running club. We are tackling ‘the inactivity crisis’ by building a community who move together: removing barriers to participation in running; creating pathways to help young people achieve their ambitions in school and beyond; and driving change to make running, and the benefits it delivers, truly inclusive.

The young people we work with have incredible drive, energy and creativity but because of economic disadvantage, racism, gender inequality, or difficult home situations they don’t get the opportunities they need to develop their capabilities, and progress, at school and beyond. This year, we will support more young people than ever, including through our flagship schools programme. Using the power of running and movement, our youth workers help young people improve their wellbeing, social and emotional skills, and access the opportunities they need to get moving - and thrive! Can you help us support 1,000 young people in the next year?