Concordia’s Paul May running the 2020 London Marathon in support of the St Giles Trust charity
30th September 2020
Dear Friends,
I will be running the London Virtual Marathon on Sunday the 4th October for the St Giles Trust charity.
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulMay_LondonMarathon_StGilesTrust
In the morning of the 4th October I will be setting out from my home to run the 26.2 miles alone.
The virtual London Marathon will have started for me and many others across the country.
The 40,000 or so runners will not have the usual benefit of hundreds of well-wishers lining the streets of London giving “call outs” and shouting encouragement.
Trying to achieve and make progress in an isolated situation is tough - many of us will I am sure have some support from friends and family but essentially we will be on our own.
For many years I have been a supporter of the St Giles charity, and this will be my third London Marathon to raise funds for their important activities, especially in seeking to protect youth from the violent and drug related pressures that exist in London and other cities.
The work of St Giles Trust is in a way similar to that of the “supportive crowd” lining the streets on the normal marathon day.
Through encouragement, support and direction St Giles aims to turn a past into a future.
https://www.stgilestrust.org.uk/what-we-do
This year, as I run alone, I will miss the banter and camaraderie, the music blaring from balconies, the cheeky comments from spectators, the over-heard chit chat of other runners, and the supplies of water and energy drinks handed out by the volunteers.
I will though be energised by knowing that the efforts of all in the St Giles Team of runners wherever they are running will be leading to improvements for the people that St Giles help and support.
I realise that everyone has their preferred charities and that there is a regular flow of requests for donations.
If you can donate that would be great, but if not please take a minute to look at the St Giles web site.
https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulMay_LondonMarathon_StGilesTrust
With my thanks and all best wishes.
Paul
