Saturday 13 November 2010

In the footsteps of legends...?

[If you want recent posts: pls scroll down: this post is always on top]

Rowena ran the original Marathon to Athens route for the 2500th anniversary of the marathon event. The 26.2 mile route is a gruelling and lonely course through desolate stretches between the towns, along a highway, including a 13 mile relentless climb and steep descent to the finish at the Olympic stadium. And you can be a part of it without having to work up a sweat.

Over the years I have had a lot of generous support for big charities for big causes. This year I wanted to feel closer to the causes I am running for and for you as supporters to be closer to the causes you donate to. Living in London I see firsthand, work alongside and volunteer on a wide range of local issues. I see that there is so much that can be done on a small scale at local level that will have a knock on effect and long term impact that far outweighs the size of the donation.

East London Community Foundation (ELCF) is a grant-giving organisation that works to provide small amounts of money to grassroots organisations. For every pound donated, ELCF will obtain at least another pound in match funding from the government, increasing the value of your donation, without any cost to you. If you gift aid your donation, it will be worth £2.56 for every pound donated.

Your donation will be used to support many different small community-based charitable projects in East and North East London. You can have a say: use the comments section of the website or email me to tell me what causes you’d like to see the donations go towards. It could be working on domestic violence, a self-help group for people with disabilities and their carers, a sustainability project, social activities to bring older people out of isolation, or an activity to engage with anti-social children, to name but a few examples. Whatever it is used for, it will put local people at the heart of making a difference in their own local areas. And as the beneficiaries of that funding go on to achieve more, thanks to our support of their projects, so your donation continues to give.

I know times are tight, so I am not asking for big contributions, even the cost of a congratulation pint after a marathon will go a really long way. If I could get every facebook friend to buy me a pint then we’d have more than £1200 to spread across the community from those donations alone – not to mention giftaid and match funding. If you’re not able to donate, why not send this link to a mutual friend.

Thank you.

Donate here.

PS I did it! New posts will always be below this one so please scroll down to read on. Or back.

18 comments:

  1. Good luck. I wouldn't do it! But there's the difference tween you and me.

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  2. can I not just buy you a pint to down before you start for the amusement value?

    best of luck, I admire you for this a lot, and am in for a fiver when the virtual hat comes round!

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  3. Will certainly donate to such a good cause, with a performance related bonus depending on meeting target times. I always sponsor people to do a quick bit of open air swimming at the finishing line (eg north sea for great north run) so if there's an appropriate place, jump in...!

    awrabest and enjoy the 'experience'.

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  4. I'll donate! Lots and lots of luck for this weekend...it's going to be amazing! Have fun x

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  5. Good luck!! Apparently a maraton gets really easy after the first 25 miles, so just keep reminding yourself of that!!

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  6. I hope once the marathon's over you won't stop waearing your funny feet into the office!

    Best of luck for this weekend - hope there's a photographer around so we can see some snaps of your triumphant face as you cross the line.

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  7. Let me know when the online sponsorhip is live, I'm in for a few quid. Hope it all goes to plan and try and enjoy it!!!

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  8. Definately up for online sponsorship, let me know as soon as it's ready. Can't believe it has come round so soon - looking forward to you doing it all over again so you can make more yummy food to inspire us to donate once more! Wishing you loads of luck and can't wait to hear the time you manage it in. Keep us posted!

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  9. Rob de Castella, winner 1983 World Marathon Championships:
    "If you feel bad at 10 miles, you're in trouble. If you feel bad at 20 miles, you're normal. If you don't feel bad at 26 miles, you're abnormal."

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  10. Go get 'em Ro...you'll be great. To echo Anna, if you want to bring food into the office all the time, I think you could make a nice little profit.

    Good luck!!
    Liz

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  11. Yammas yammas Rowena, i will give you the money for the most expensive pint in all of London under a tenner. Go gedem, Jack.

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  12. "The marathon's about being in contention over the last 10K. That's when it's about what you have in your core. You have run all the strength, all the superficial fitness out of yourself, and it really comes down to what's left inside you. To be able to draw deep and pull something out of yourself is one of the most tremendous things about the marathon."
    - Rob de Castella

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  13. Best of luck for with the Marathon - definitely want to donate...you deserve it for 26.2 miles!

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  14. I found the best way to run a marathon was not to think or feel for six hours. Unfortunately it takes me five hours to get to that level.
    Our prayers and thoughts will be be with you.
    Love Dad and Cindy
    Ps we will pledge 150 pounds to help you reach your target

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  15. Good Luck- I couldn't do it.

    Will def sponsor you once it's live.

    As for an iPod tune there is no competition- you need the Wonder Woman theme tune:

    All the world is waiting for you,
    And the powers you possess,
    In your satin tights,
    Fighting for your rights,
    And the old red, white and blue!

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  16. GO RO GO!

    Best of luck with it - just remember to have a clear objective (to finish) and a clear plan of how you can reach it (by running) and Im sure you'll do fine!

    Tom

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  17. Thank you so much for your support, girl, it means a lot to me. I tried to donate but I can't seem to bring up the page so I'll try again later.

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  18. You're welcome Green Girl. No need to reciprocate! Happy running. Rowena

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