On Sunday 17 April 2011, 34-year-old Stuart Chapman-Edwards from Rhos on Sea, Colwyn Bay, will run 26.2 miles to complete the London Marathon and raise money for Independent Age, the charity which provides support to thousands of older people across the UK, tackling older people’s poverty and loneliness by offering information, advice and friendship.
This is Stuart’s second London Marathon and despite recalling his feelings from last year, about which he says: “I remember at 23 miles, telling myself never to do this again,” he’s back for more, and this time, aims to knock an hour off his last time of 5h 25m.
Having volunteered for Independent Age for over a year, Stuart knows firsthand the difference the charity’s work can make to the lives of older people. Stuart visits three older people in and around Colwyn Bay as a volunteer, as part of the charity’s aim to alleviate loneliness and isolation amongst older people. “I really like the idea that you can help older people who might not have any relatives or friends nearby, especially given that it’s quite rural where we live. You can really help them to remain independent.”
Stuart aims to raise over £1,000 for Independent Age and has already been busy with his fundraising efforts which have included a friend carrying a collection bucket during his training runs and bag-packing sessions at supermarkets.
“I have been really spurred on by the people who have pledged so much money to my charity,” says Stuart. If you would like to sponsor Stuart on his London Marathon run, visit his Just Giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/Stuart-Chapman-Edwards
For media enquiries, or if you would like to speak to Stuart, contact Rebecca Law on 020 7605 4291 or rebecca.law@independentage.org.uk . For out of hours media inquiries, call 07545 209 589
Notes to Editors
About Independent Age
Independent Age is a unique and growing charity: a support community for thousands of older people across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
We offer a helping hand from a trusted friend, tackling older people’s poverty and loneliness by offering information, advice and friendship.
For more information visit: www.independentage.org.uk