This Sunday, 10 July, there are 6 people on #TeamFirstLove running the British 10k London Run, one of the most iconic races of the year and one which passes by many of the capital’s historic landmarks.
The amazing schools, churches, business and individuals in the borough donate tonnes of food every month to our Foodbank to help us tackle food poverty but it is our supporters who fundraise and donate that help us transform lives from crisis to sustainability.
#TeamFirstLove are raising money so that people facing crisis can receive the help, advice and support they need to begin the journey towards a transformed life. No-one should face crisis alone and these 6 runners are doing their bit to make sure no one does.
The team is made up of some of our most committed and longstanding volunteers, fundraisers and corporate partners… So a massive thank you Steve, Sue, Andy, Saskia, Elliott and Craig!
To donate and find out more you can find their Just Giving pages here at justgiving.com/first-love. We also got the chance to interview a few of the runners about who they are and why YOU should sponsor them…
- Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from, what do you do, what are your interests, hobbies and passions
Steve: I am from Calgary, Canada and have been in London for almost 4 years now…basically I traded snow for rain. I work for an energy company and I have a wife and one child, my son Aiden. We enjoy travelling, both abroad and also exploring all that the UK has to offer.
Sue: Whilst not originally from London, I have lived here for most of my life and it is my favourite city in the world. I enjoy all that London has to offer from open spaces to tiny theatres.
Andy: My name is Andy Beeching, 51 years old from Canterbury in Kent, married with 3 children. I am Head of Asset Control for IFCO SYSTEMS UK ltd, based in High Wycombe in Bucks. I am a keen runner and cyclist, an avid music fan and love travelling.
Steve
- How long have you been running? Is 10k a challenge? What is your plan for training?
Steve: I have never run a 10k before, so this is indeed a challenge. I have run several 5k’s, so I guess my training plan is to train twice as hard as I did for those!
Sue: I absolutely love running, have been a runner for many years and always enjoy raising money for worthwhile causes. 10k is a distance I am used to and in the Vitality 10k it will be about running with the team and ensuring everyone has a good time. If we have team members who are new to this distance, I am there to give them encouragement and I am confident we will all finish with a big cheer.
Andy: I took up running about 4-5 years ago and worked up from 5k to half marathon level. However some health issues set me back and I am now starting again, working up from 5k to 10k. This will be a challenge for me, and one I am looking forward to. Currently I run 2 x 5 per week, and take spinning a couple of times a week where time permits.
- How did you first hear about First Love Foundation? Why did you want to get involved by fundraising?
Steve: I have volunteered with First Love through Tower Hamlets Foodbank for several years. Now that I have a child I don’t have as many opportunities to volunteer as I would like. I am hoping to make a difference to this great foundation and the many people they support through this run.
Sue: I have been a volunteer for the Tower Hamlets Foodbank for almost 5 years now. This is in my local community and I find volunteering very rewarding. It is a great pleasure to work with the foodbank team and help them achieve their objectives and the objectives of First Love Foundation.
Andy: Some years ago we were approached by Denise to see if we could loan some of our plastic crates to the Tower Hamlets Foodbank. We were at the start of our support for Foodbanks across the world, and our relationship has gone from strength to strength since then.
Andy
- Why should people sponsor you?
Steve: People should sponsor me because they can rest assured their donation is being made to a wonderful cause. I have known Denise and others from First Love for some time now, and I can attest to their tireless efforts and sincere commitment to helping others in need.
Sue: Those who sponsor me can be assured that their sponsorship will go to those who need it most, those who in the winter may have to choose between eating and heating. The heartfelt gratitude of those we support and give food donations to is humbling.
Andy: Hunger is indiscriminate and you never know when you will need the support of those around you to make ends meet. It is incumbent upon all of us to help where we can and support those in our society who are in most need. Many of us are fortunate and have extensive family/friend support, but some do not. I was brought up to believe we should treat others how we would like to be treated ourselves, and to offer support to those who ask for it. Some may call it Christian principles, others may term it social responsibility. However we dress it up, we all have a duty of care to our fellow human beings.
Please show your support and donate to transform Tower Hamlets: justgiving.com/first-love.
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for photos and news from the race on Sunday! Contact us if you would like to join #TeamFirstLove next year in the British 10k London Run 2017!