A MEMBER of the Reading Joggers joins those running on behalf of Home-Start at the Reading Half Marathon.
Simon Worsley will be among the runners raising funds for the charity, including Olympic medallist, rower Alan Campbell.
Mr Worsley said that he signed up due to his experiences as a child, after hearing about the charity through a fellow jogger.
“My mum raised the five of us on her own, and nobody teaches you how to be a parent.
“In the winter of 1963, we even lived in a converted railway carriage, then from temporary home to temporary home.
“So I understand the importance of the charity’s work in helping parents in similar situations.”
Mr Worsley said that he runs recreationally, but has been doing so for decades.
“I try to keep fit, and my wife joined Reading Joggers.
“I decided to join too, and it was there that Mary, who volunteers at Home-Start, mentioned the charity.”
Home-Start gives support to struggling families in Reading, helping with issues such as bereavement, domestic abuse, financial hardship, and health concerns.
Mr Worsley, who has now retired, said: “I’m delighted to be running and raising funds for Home-Start.
“Although,” he joked: “I can’t promise a fast time— less a run, more a brisk shuffle.”
He will also be joined by Frankie Smith, who received support from the charity.
Ms Smith said: “They’re a charity close to my heart, that helped me socially, emotionally, and financially when I was going through a hard time.
“They gave me somewhere to go, to meet other mums and for my youngest child to play and make friends.
“I cannot thank Home-Start enough for the few years they helped me, and for all of the hard work and care they still give.”
Alan Campbell won bronze in the men’s single scull event at London 2012, and will be among the 22 people running on behalf of the charity,
Mr Campbell said: “The last two years have been brutal on families, please donate whatever you can.”
The Reading Half Marathon will be taking place on Sunday, April 3.
Those running can be sponsored at www.home-start-reading.org.uk
