Posted26.04.18
‘I have always felt passionate about homelessness’
Katie’s story
Meet Katie, our fantastic fundraiser, who ran for us in the London Marathon on Sunday.
‘I enjoy fundraising as it gives the challenge a purpose. Not only do you raise money for a charity but you also promote and advertise the charity. This is really important especially with charities like Evolve. Awareness about homelessness and what people can do to help is key to ultimately eliminate rough sleeping in the future.
I chose to run for Evolve because I really wanted to run for a local London based charity and I have always felt passionate about homelessness, believing that more can be done to fight it. I think it is so important for homeless people who have (from whatever reason) ended up on the street to have a second chance. I strongly believe that they should be given the support they need in order to reintegrate into society, and fulfil their potentials. Homelessness can be a difficult cycle to get out of, but if people are offered that first step in the right direction they are able to break free and begin their journey to recovery and independence. Sleeping rough is horrible and I really think everything should be done to eliminate it.
In order to prepare for the London Marathon, I have run more than I ever have in the past few months! I always knew my joints wouldn’t win any awards but they have taken a real beating through this process, I’m so glad they held together on the day!
The support I have had from the Fundraising team throughout my training, particularly from Jazz, has been a great! She sent me lots of positive emails and additional fundraising ideas. We even did a mini promo photo-shoot in my Evolve t-shirt with The Running Charity at one of their regular sessions at King George’s House, to gain more pictures and meet some of the homeless people that Evolve works with. I also did a bake sale at work to raise additional funds and to help attract attention- it raised £360! The Fundraising team gave me Evolve wristbands and balloons to give out, which was brilliant!
Actually running the London marathon was a surreal experience. I spent the first 10 miles with a giant smile plastered on my face. The real pain set in a round mile 18. I kept promising myself I could stop when I got to the next mile marker, only to then change it to the one after. This tactic worked and got me all the way round without stopping! I tried to make sure I took in the amazing atmosphere and was always on high alert to see anyone I knew, familiar faces got me through. It really was a once in a lifetime experience as I have said I will never do it again, worryingly I am already forgetting the pain! It was an honour to run the London marathon, even if it was the hottest on record, and running it for Evolve made it the pain more worthwhile!
I also smashed my fundraising target, which was originally £2,000 and I raised £2,700!
When it comes to training and setting up your fundraising promotions, my tips would be as follows:
- Don’t underestimate complimenting running with strength training. I think if I had started that earlier then the joints would feel better!
- Start your fundraising promotion early to get the most out of it. Document everything you do to involve people in your journey. This way you will reach as many people as possible and raise as much money as possible.
I would definitely recommend getting involved with challenge and fundraising events for Evolve!
They are a great charity and they will help you with your event and fundraising preparation so you aren’t on your own! If I had more time I would have tried to get involved in more of the charities events. Meeting some of the customers was great as now I really know who I am helping which I think makes a massive difference. I hope more people participate in challenge events for Evolve as it’s been a really good and enjoyable experience for me.’
If you would like to fundraise for us to help support our vital work as a homelessness charity in London, please click here.
If you would like to run for us, we still have some places left on upcoming challenge events, please check them out here.
If you would like to support our work with homeless people in London, please click here.
