Reading Dad Takes On London Marathon For Children’s Charity
A DAD from Woodley in Reading will take part in the iconic TCS London Marathon next month in support of women, children and families.
Ed Stephenson, aged 30, is running for Parents And Children Together (PACT), a Reading-based charity that provides outstanding adoption services, specialist therapeutic support and inspirational community projects.
About Ed
Ed is a software engineer and dad to one-year-old Harry and said that running the London Marathon for PACT was “absolutely ideal”.
“Since becoming a Dad, I’ve realised just how important having a loving family home is. Not all children are as lucky as Harry, and as I was, so the work PACT does is absolutely fundamental to the children and families they support.
“I want to do my little bit by fundraising for this amazing charity.”
Ed is one of nine members of Team PACT who will be running the 26.2 miles around the streets of London on 2nd October.
He said: “I ran the New Forest Marathon in 2017 which was brilliant. I’m excited to run a marathon in a city and aim for a much quicker time.
“I am sticking to a strict training plan as I’m hoping to complete the marathon in under three hours. With a full-time job and a young family, the training has been no mean feat, but I know it’ll be so worth it!
“I am most looking forward to the atmosphere – it’s going to be so exciting running through the capital. A once in a lifetime experience!”
Fundraising Target
Ed has a £2,000 fundraising target and is collecting donations to his page at https://tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/ed-stephenson
He said: “I would encourage people to look up the brilliant work PACT is doing – it’s the main reason I am putting myself through a rigorous training schedule!
“I am sure the children and families PACT support are eternally grateful for their help, and charities like PACT rely on fundraising to keep running (excuse the pun!)”
PACT
PACT has been building and strengthening families since 1911. PACT creates families through adoption services and provides lifelong adoption support, it empowers women who face multiple disadvantages to make positive changes to their lives through its Alana House Community Project and it supports children to heal from the trauma of domestic abuse through its Bounce Back 4 Kids programme.
Chief executive Natausha van Vliet said: “We are so happy to have a team of extraordinary people in the London Marathon. They have not only committed to running a marathon for PACT but are also working hard to raise lots of sponsorship which will really help us to continue to provide vital support for the families we work with.”
