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Employee launches marathon effort in aid of the homeless

19/10/2021

A University of Wolverhampton employee launched a marathon effort recently in aid of the homeless in Wolverhampton – and he’s managed to raise nearly £1,500 for the cause. 

Martin Evans, Principal Technician for IT in the University’s School of Art which is part of the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences (FABSS), signed up to run the London Marathon 2021 in aid of The Good Shepherd Wolverhampton which is marking its 50-year association with the city with a ‘50 Years of Good’ fundraising campaign. 

The Brothers of the Good Shepherd first set up in 1972 in Thornley Street to help the homeless and vulnerable in Wolverhampton. It now operates out of Waterloo Road and during the last financial year 1,089 people accessed the Good Shepherd for food and other support and a total of 26,720 hot meals were served. 

Martin said: “I decided to fundraise for the Good Shepherd Wolverhampton because of the work they do in supporting the homeless in Wolverhampton. When running home from work I’ve often passed places where people have been sleeping rough and I guess that put the Good Shepherd in the forefront of my mind when choosing a charity.  

“This was my first Marathon. I took part in the Virtual London Marathon last year running around Coseley, Bilston and Wolverhampton but this is the first one where I was with other runners so I was really looking forward to it. I always thought when watching the coverage of the London Marathon that I’d like to do it, so I applied for a place and was lucky enough to get one in the second ballot which was drawn from entrants who donated their entry fee even if they didn’t get a place in the main ballot.  

“The support from the crowd and the marshals was wonderful and really helped us all keep going. My pace dropped off after mile 13 and I had some short periods of walking but I never thought of stopping. 

“I want to say a big thankyou to Julie Green in the FABSS Wolverhampton School of Art for emailing staff to let them know I was taking part in the London Marathon and would also like to say a big thank you to all the staff who have so generously donated along with my family and friends and Facebook and Instagram friends.” 

Helen Holloway, Admin/Finance Manager at the Good Shepherd, said: “We are always so appreciative of fundraisers who go the extra mile in their support of the Good Shepherd – and Martin has gone an extra 26! 

“It’s an incredible personal achievement and a fantastic total which will have such a positive impact on our work with the homeless and vulnerable across Wolverhampton. 

“The food service at the Good Shepherd continues to be the foundation for providing meals to those who are struggling to get by but it also acts as a magnet to draw people in to receive support in many other areas such as with addiction, mental health and with financial difficulties. 

“We were fortunate to work closely with the University’s School of Art for our recent art exhibition at the Light House and the Mander Centre, and Martin’s marathon effort - and all who donated to him -  is another really generous show of support for which we are extremely grateful.” 

Martin completed the Marathon in just over six hours. People can still donate by following this link: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MartinEvans 

Anyone looking to study at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days. 

ENDS 

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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