KEVIN Sawers from Bitterne has found a chess mate to play the game with while simultaneously running the 10k ABP Southampton Marathon next month for a charity helping eradicate loneliness (Sunday, April 6, 2025).
The 47-year-old will be joined by Nick Wilson, 46, and together they will play while running the race in aid of Communicare, which helps vulnerable, isolated people in the city.
Kevin, who is a member of Hedge End Running Club, says: “Last month, I put out a plea in the media for a partner, so I could bring running together with one of my other favourite pastimes, playing chess.
“After seeing the coverage, Nick, who has been running for 27-years and is a friend who lives near us, got in touch to offer to partner with me to run and play chess at the same time. Nick is aware of Communicare’s work and his wife Hannah also ran the half for the charity in 2021. We’re now on a mission together to raise as much money as possible for Communicare, so would be delighted if people could sponsor us via the charity’s JustGiving page. We would be very happy for a third person to join us too, then we can rotate our play.”
The 10th anniversary ABP Southampton Marathon, which encompasses a 5k, 10km, half marathon and full marathon, takes place on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
Kevin adds: “I have run the marathon in aid of the charity for several years now. My wife Bryony works there, so I hear firsthand about all the great work it does helping those in need of support and friendship in Southampton.”
Communicare has three runners fundraising for it this year so far and is looking for others, plus walkers, to join its team too.
Annie Clewlow, Communicare Manager, says: “We’re delighted Nick has decided to join Kevin and take on this challenge for us. We’re sure they will delight the watching crowds on the day and help raise vital awareness and money for us in the process. The current economic climate means we need fundraising like this more than ever before. Every penny we receive goes towards making someone’s life better.”
Communicare is currently supporting more than 750 individuals/families through tasks including, befriending, transport for appointments and assistance with shopping and always needs more donations and volunteers to help with its work.
Annie continues: “We’re here to help people live their best lives, rather than to just exist. The money raised will help support our multi-generational initiatives befriending people in communities city-wide, through our Good Neighbours Network. Our mission is to eradicate loneliness and isolation, which potentially represents a significant health risk in all age groups.
“We know that running isn’t for everyone, so if you’d like to be part of our Support Squad, we’d love to hear from you. Our ‘Communibear’ costume is available too. Or perhaps you’d like to help in our gazebo at the race village and tell people about our work, as well as encouraging and supporting our runners/walkers.
“We also need as many people as possible to sponsor our team this year, as we’d like to raise more than £2,000 from this event. Please sponsor #TeamCommSoton via JustGiving here.
“If you’re already signed up to run independently with ABP but would like to nominate us as your chosen charity, please get in touch. We’ll send you sponsorship forms and also give you a Communicare running T-shirt to wear.
“If you’re entering the 5K, it is more cost-effective to do this as an individual runner rather than use one of our places. We’ll still give you a T-shirt to wear and count you as a member of our team.
“If you feel daunted by these distances or are more of a walker, please don’t be put off! As well as offering a fast race for those wanting to push themselves, the 5k and 10k events offer interesting routes around our city passed key landmarks along the way. Run what you can, alternate running and walking, or just walk and enjoy the experience and the lively atmosphere!”
To download the registration form, click here.
To find out more about Communicare, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.
