21 Runs Spans The North And Beyond

1 JUN2010

As part of the Depaul UK's 21st birthday celebrations, Chief Executive Paul Marriot and Trustee Michael Walton are competing in several races in the north of England this year. The races are part of a bid to run 21 races in 21 counties and raise £21,000 for the youth community work that the charity undertakes.

The next race will see them reach half way, competing in the Woodhall Spa 10K on June 6. This race will lead them nicely to the Redcar Half Marathon the following weekend. The Challenge started in January with the Epsom Oddballs Race in Surrey and will finish with the Norwich Half Marathon in November.

Over the past 21 years, Depaul UK has worked with the most disadvantages young people in the UK, working in communities where poverty and long-term unemployment have resulted in generations of social exclusion and high rates of homelessness.

The charity now has 41 varied and complimentary projects around the UK, that work with young people to tackle homelessness at every level. Depaul also runs a service called 'Nightstop' which offer emergency short term accommodation in the homes of local volunteers on a night by night basis.

Paul Marriott, competitor and Chief Executive of Depaul UK said, "I hope that by completing this challenge I can raise some money for Depaul UK and make more people aware of the work that is done to tackle the problem of youth homelessness in the UK. I also hope it will be a bit of fun and a good way to raise awareness of our 21st birthday."

The men are doing a mix of marathons, half marathons and 10K races in 2010, each one in a different country, and each run is local to a Depaul UK project or 'Nightstop' scheme. The Redcar Half Marathon is local to a 'Nightstop' service in Teeside and the men have been helped in their bid in this area, with free entry to the race.