KEVIN Sawers from Hedge End will be juggling his way around the 5k in the ABP Southampton Marathon in aid of a charity that helps eradicate loneliness next month (April 2023).
The 45-year-old decided to set himself the challenge of juggling and running the race in aid of Communicare, which helps vulnerable and isolated people in the city.
He said: “My wife Bryony works for Communicare and I often hear about all the great work it does to help isolated people in need of support and friendship and I thought I would do my bit and raise some money for such a worthwhile cause as I believe no-one should be lonely.
“I was regular runner when I was younger but fell out of the habit, having only picked it up again six years ago joining the Hedge End Running Club. I decided to run the race and juggle at the same time as I can do both, but have never tried doing them together, so who knows how it will go.
“I have been working on building up my juggling endurance with arm strengthening exercises. I am already in a good training pattern with regards my running and I am looking forward to the challenge of combining it with juggling. I am going to be wearing a colourful jester hat, which will help people spot me along the route.
“I ran the ABP Southampton Marathon back in 2019 and completed it in a time of four hours, 11 minutes and 42 seconds as well as competing in a solo marathon in 2020, during lockdown, where I achieved a time of four hours, nine minutes and 45 seconds. I am hoping to complete the 5k this year in around 30 minutes.”
Anyone interested in sponsoring Kevin for the race, can do so via http://bit.ly/3ZKTfF7.
The ABP Southampton Marathon, which encompasses a 5k, 10km, half marathon and full marathon, takes place on Sunday, April 2, 2023.
Annie Clewlow, Communicare Manager, said: “As if running a marathon isn’t difficult enough, Kevin has gone one step further by deciding to juggle as he makes his way round. We’re over the moon Kevin has decided to take on this challenge for us and we wish him the very best of luck for the race, we’re sure there will be lots of people cheering him on, on the day and our Communicheerers will be out in force too.”
Communicare, which is a friendly, neighbourhood charity, provides services that enrich the lives of isolated people in and around Southampton.
Communicare’s services are staffed by its devoted volunteers, known as Communiteers, who give their time freely.
The charity is currently supporting around 600 individuals/families through tasks including, befriending, transport for appointments and assistance with shopping.
The services Communicare provides are free to users, although beneficiaries are invited to make a donation if they are able to, and Communiteers are offered expenses.
To find out more about Communicare, please visit www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk.
