Adam Lewthwaite was raised in Kidmore End and is looking to raise funds on behalf of Home-Start Reading, a charity that offers free and face-to-face support to local families who are under stress, help prevent family crisis and emphasise the pleasures of family life.
We have asked him to tell us a bit more about himself and why he is doing this.
What do you do?
I am a project manager for a Communication company in South Oxfordshire.
What is your favourite thing about the Kidmore End area?
I currently live in the centre of Reading so enjoy returning to Kidmore End to enjoy the peace and quite of the countryside. I like going for walks and bike rides around the area. My parents still live in the village so I always get well fed whenever I am back which is a bonus!
What do you miss the most?
How quiet and beautiful it is.
Why have you signed up to the half marathon?
I am a keen runner and the Reading Half is a great event which i have participated in the last 3 years. This year to add to the challenge I decided to run in fancy dress (running in a dress with a pram) for a local charity. Home-Start Reading is a fantastic charity that is doing a huge amount of work locally. I first learnt about the charity from my mum who has volunteered for over 15 years. I have seen and heard about the great work that they do and am proud to be able to raise money to help them.
Tell us a bit more about your chosen charity
Homestart Reading recruits and trains volunteers to provide free face-to-face support to local families who are under stress. During April 2017 and March 2018 Homestart Reading supported 96 local families through their home-visiting service or targeted group work. The main needs were mental ill-health, isolation, disability and parenting struggles. Reading has issues with “poverty pockets”, overstretched services, a failing to cope infrastructure and a lack of suitable housing.
If residents would like to donate, what is the best way to do so?
I have a virgin giving page, and any help would be greatly appreciated.
And lastly, if we want to cheer for you, when is your event taking place?
17th March in Reading, the Homestart Reading cheering point is on Kendrick Road, but come and watch along the route, it should be a great day – add map attached