KEVIN Sawers from Hedge End ran a solo marathon on 26 April in aid of Communicare and has so far raised £640 for the charity that helps eradicate loneliness in Southampton.
The 42-year-old member of Hedge End Running Club, who competed in last year’s ABP Southampton Marathon for Communicare too, ran the 2020 solo event in four hours, nine minutes and 45 seconds.
Kevin said: “I have been training hard for the event and wanted very much to continue with my plan to run a marathon in aid of Communicare this year. I was able to do it on my own as part of my daily exercise under the current lockdown restrictions. Some friends cheered me as I ran past their house and people sent me pictures of the banners they had made.
“Communicare does vital work helping to reduce people’s feelings of loneliness and isolation across the city, so I am delighted to be able to do my bit to help them do more.
“As a runner, I know how important it is to have a network of friends who support you and I also understand the importance of belonging to a group, sharing experiences and looking after each other. These are all the things that Communicare does in its work. Its role in our communities in Southampton is particularly important at the moment, when many of its service users remain at home, as they are elderly and vulnerable.”
Kevin has raised £640 so far for Communicare and has a target of £750 to reach. Anyone wishing to sponsor Kevin can do so via https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KevinSawers.
ABP Southampton Marathon is allowing people to run a virtual marathon in place of the real event and has just extended the dates when people can do their run until July 31. Further details can be found here https://www.abpsouthamptonhalf.co.uk/event-info/virtual-run/.
Manager at Communicare, Annie Clewlow, explained: “Our charity is all about kind-heartedness and our aim is to help eradicate loneliness in Southampton, so we’re indebted to people like Kevin who understand what we do and put themselves forward to help raise invaluable awareness and funds for our work.
“There’s still time for anyone else who would like to run for us in the virtual marathon to come forward. We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to take part. Please email events@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk to sign up to raise funds for us – it’s a great way to use your daily exercise allowance!”
To find out more about Communicare, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.