John Starbrook from Staines is taking on the formidable challenge of running the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday 26th April to raise awareness and vital funds for Age UK, the Charity that supports older people across the country.
A well-seasoned runner, John is running his 50th marathon this year and is used to gruelling challenges.
At one point John was training for two marathons a year – New York in November and London in April and a triathlon in between for “a bit of fun”.
John said: “My training has been going well and I’m now looking forward to the challenge on the day! I’ve always loved sports and I’ve been active since a young age. I’ve also done skydives in between marathons – it’s all a bit of fun and raises money for a good cause, Age UK.
“The Charity has given me lots of support with my fundraising over the years and this will be my 29th London marathon raising money for them.
“It’s never too late to try something new, however, I think that it might be time soon to hang up my trainers and retire from marathon running now I’ve reached my 50th one!”
The money raised by the Charity’s dedicated marathon runners will help Age UK’s to tackle the barriers many older people face in living well and enjoying their later lives. Principal among them are the loneliness and isolation that make life so miserable for millions of older people every year.
Age UK helps make lives better for older people in all sorts of ways. The Charity provides essential information and advice, and supports vital services such as friendly telephone calls, weekly visits and social activities like lunch clubs, exercise classes and tea-dances.
When an older person has nowhere to turn to for friendship and support the Age UK network offers advice and the chance to get out and about in the local community, all of which play a crucial part in helping make later life better.
This can give older people the confidence they need to feel more connected, in turn helping them to sustain their resilience, health and wellbeing.
To support John visit his fundraising page at www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JohnStarbrook. For further information on how to run for Age UK, please go to www.ageuk.org.uk/londonmarathon or contact the Age UK Fundraising Events Team on 0800 169 8787 or email events@ageuk.org.uk.
To donate to the Charity call 0800 169 8787, Text FAST to 70004 to give £3 or go to www.ageuk.org.uk
