A Suffolk company director who has never done a long distance run before is taking up the challenge of the Great East Run half marathon on 16 September in aid of FIND.
Penny Arbuthnot, who is director of Ipswich company Genesis PR, is fundraising for the FIND 50 Lifeline Appeal, which is raising £100,000 towards the costs of a bigger building for the charity which it desperately needs to deliver the growing demand for its services.
Genesis has supported FIND - Families in Need since the beginning of 2017, helping to raise awareness of FIND’s work with children and adults who have emergency need for food and basic bedding, cooking and furniture items. FIND also helps rough sleepers by providing warm clothing and food parcels and by helping secure them temporary accommodation until permanent housing can be arranged. The charity’s work is delivered entirely by volunteers.
Penny says: “This is an enormous challenge for me personally because the last time I can remember running like this was 40 years ago at school. But FIND’s challenge is greater than my own and I’m determined to finish the run for this amazing charity which is helping so many people in desperate need right in the heart of our community.”
“When I started training in April, 1 mile was a long run. I’ve still got a way to go to be able to run 12 miles (21K) and fitting in training around work and hot weather has been tough, but I reached a milestone when I ran right around Alton Water Reservoir (12K) which has given me new confidence and determination for the last few weeks of training.”
Maureen Reynel MBE, founder and Chair of FIND, says: “If mad determination is all that’s needed to complete a half marathon then Penny is already at the finish line. I’m hoping that more individual fundraisers, companies and schools will feel inspired to fundraise and support FIND’s services so we can continue to fulfil the growing need for food and basic household living items where families and individuals have none.”
To sponsor Penny see https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/genesispr-find50
For information about FIND and the FIND 50 appeal, which is inviting individuals, local companies and schools to each raise £2,000, click here