With its vibrant atmosphere and electric community spirit, the TCS London Marathon captivates our city every year. This year will see the largest group of runners to take part in support of The Passage we have ever had! So, to celebrate we wanted to spotlight three of our incredible runners.
Please read their inspiring stories below, to find out why they decided to take on this challenge on behalf of Team Passage.
Niamh
What made you sign up for the marathon on behalf of Team Passage?
“I decided to sign up to run the London Marathon for The Passage back in 2022 after my brother, Greg, passed away from bowel cancer at the age of 28. Greg volunteered at the Passage while studying for his PhD at Imperial. I wanted to find a way to keep my brother’s connection to the Passage alive and raise funds for the charity that meant so much to my brother.”
How have you found your fundraising experience?
“I have enjoyed the challenge of training and fundraising, it’s been something to focus on and work towards. I have had very generous family and friends who have donated but also shared my story wider so other people have been able to donate. It makes me overjoyed that people want to support me, but also Greg’s legacy“
What are you looking forward to most about the day?
“I’m looking forward to having my family and friends there to support me. It will be a very emotional and humbling event. I’m really grateful to the Passage for giving me the chance to run the marathon for them and in memory of my brother.”
Thank you, Niamh, for sharing your powerful story. We’ll be cheering for you every step of the way!
Patrick
Our frontline staff work at the heart of the housing emergency, supporting every individual who comes through our doors.
So, it’s an extra-special feeling when someone who already dedicates so much time and commitment to ending homelessness, chooses to continue that commitment into everyday life!
When Patrick, our Montfort House Project Worker, signed up to take part in the London Marathon on behalf of Team Passage, we were so grateful for his support.
He is taking part with the full support of the residents of Montfort House, who will be cheering him on every step of the way.
Patrick is taking part not only to support The Passage, but as an epic way to celebrate his 60th birthday. We hope you will join us in supporting Patrick and wishing him a very happy birthday.
Clare
It’s impossible to ignore the rising levels of homelessness in London. Each day, we see more and more people coming to The Passage in need of support…
“It is a critical time. The rise in street homelessness, exacerbated by the cost of living and inadequate social housing in London has made The Passage’s services more vital now than ever.” – Clare, Team Passage Runner.
Clare’s not only dedicated to supporting us by running, but her participation has also led to her educating others about homelessness, another vital step in ensuring we can one day, end rough sleeping.
“It’s been a great experience, raising awareness for the work Team Passage does every day. It has sparked so many important conversations, causing people to pause and reflect on the impact they can have on this important issue.”
As the marathon approaches, Clare tells us how she cannot wait to experience the atmosphere of one of the world’s most celebrated marathons.
Clare, your dedication inspires us all. Good luck, and thank you for turning awareness into action!
Each and every member of Team Passage play a vital role in bringing us one step closer to our mission of preventing and ending homelessness. Their efforts help to ensure that those facing homelessness in London can receive the dedicated support they deserve, and live a life of stability.
This year our London Marathon team have raised over £16,000 – a remarkable effort and show of support for the local community. If you’d like to support our runners, visit our London Marathon Just Giving page to make a donation today.
On behalf of everyone here at The Passage, we are so grateful to be part of a community dedicated to creating lasting change in the lives of others.
Good luck to all our runners in the TCS London Marathon 2024! We will be rooting for you all the way to the finish line.
Feeling inspired? We’re now taking sign-ups for the TCS London Marathon 2025! If you want to join our community of changemakers, please visit the link below to submit your application!