AN ETHICS and business manager from Reading is preparing to undertake one of the biggest challenges any runner can undertake – the London Marathon.
Next month, 26-year-old James Partington will run through 26.2 miles of the capital city, all to raise funds for a charity that supports older people living in financial hardship.
He says that advice from Independent Age could have helped his grandfather.
“I love running and taking on the London Marathon for Independent Age means I can support a great charity doing wonderful work for older people in the UK,” he said.
“I’m running in memory of my grandfather who died in 2018. He would have benefitted from the advice that Independent Age can give, but unfortunately, we didn’t know about them when he was alive.
“My girlfriend, Alice, manages the design work of Independent Age. That’s how I became aware of the support and advice they offer through watching some of the videos she’s produced.
“It’s made me want to do something to help as I think this advice can really help older people.”
Mr Partington said he had ordered some of the information materials Independent Age produces and will share it with his grandma, so she can learn more about help and support available to her.
In all, he is hoping to raise £2,000 for the charity’s work, and has already collected pledges of more than £1,500.
The training for the April 23 race is, he said, “up and down, but nothing a good podcast can’t solve”.
He is one of 10 people taking part in the London Marathon for Independent Age, and collectively they hope to raise more than £28,000.
Stuart Rogers, acting chief executive of Independent Age, was grateful for the fundraising efforts.
“Thank you to James for choosing to support Independent Age at the London Marathon. We admire his commitment to supporting people in later life,” he said.
“With 2.1 million older people already living in poverty and millions more facing financial hardship due to the increased costs of living, our work has never been more important.
“We want every older person to have the opportunity to live well with dignity, choice and purpose. We couldn’t do this without volunteers and fundraisers like James.
“Thank you.”
To make a donation to Mr Partington’s run, log on to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jamespartington94
