Blog. London Marathon 3rd October 2022
October 19, 2022 | Author: Maria Boney
On 3rd of October six of our amazing supporters completed the TSC London Marathon 2022 and raised money for their favourite charity, Hospitality Action. We couldn’t be prouder of their determination and stamina. Collectively our runners raised well over £10,000 in support of hospitality families who are facing extreme food and fuel poverty this coming winter. In the last few weeks alone, we have experienced a 30% increase in applications for financial support. And more than 50% of our applicants are presenting with household arrears such as rent or utilities placing many at risk of homelessness and we’re so grateful for the funds raised.
We caught up with some of our runners in the weeks after the marathon and asked them about their experience of the event and why they choose to fundraise for Hospitality Action.
Here is what they said:
Adam Hersey
Sales and Events Manager at Herbert Berger at Innholders Hall
“Running the London marathon has always been an ambition of mine. When I knew that there was an opportunity to run for Hospitality Action, a charity very close to my heart, I jumped at the chance.
Race day was very special, George, my HA teammate, and I, met at Blackheath and started in blue wave 13, the first 10k was a powerful hour or so as we shared our motivations with one another and discovered that we, along with so many others in our industry, have struggled at times during our careers. I was so proud of George telling me his story, and thankful, in turn, that he listened to mine.
The full experience of the London Marathon kicked in for me soon after. The noise and shouts from the crowd, the internal battle to maintain your pace and to block out pain, and most importantly, enjoying the challenge!
I was running for every single person who, like me, has found themselves in a dark place, whilst working in our beautiful, but often brutal and unforgiving industry. I want people to know that help is there if you need it. Hospitality Action offer amazing support. So please reach out! #wevegotyou!”
George Lee
Sales Manager, Ellis Wine
“Marathon day really was all it was hyped up to be. I was a bundle of nerves and excitement all morning, from the moment I woke up to the very second, I passed the start line. The crowd were unbelievable all the way through, and definitely gave me a lift in those moments I needed it. Other than seeing my friends and family on route, two of the biggest moments for me were running over Tower Bridge – the bridge I looked at every day when I worked in a restaurant on Butler’s Wharf. The other being running up The Mall, with my Sri Lankan flag – a little homage to my grandfather who carried the (then Ceylon) flag at the Queen’s coronation.
Hospitality is a big thing in my family, with a long history of working in and owning pubs, hotels, and restaurants. The reason I wanted to raise money for Hospitality Action was because of my own experiences working in the industry. I have always struggled with my mental health, and some of the more difficult moments were when I was working in restaurants. I also worked with many colleagues who struggled with addictions of all kinds. The industry has given me so much, so I wanted to give back to it, and try and help those who face similar challenges to those that I and my colleagues did. Throughout my training, and on the day, I kept reminding myself that I was running for that George, and everyone like him, who needs the support that Hospitality Action provide.”
Mike Gardner
Managing Director, Appetite4Work
“What a day! The first half felt great running through Blackheath and Greenwich getting cheered on and high fiving the little kids was a joy. Following the highlight of passing over Tower Bridge and passing half way it got really tough. From then on it was a real battle to keep going and I don’t think you can ever fully comprehend quite how hard it’s going to be until you do it! The last 3 miles seemed to go on forever, but the relief to get across the finishing line and knowing you were done was just immense.
I chose Hospitality Action because I saw first had through the pandemic how they really stepped in to help people in trouble. Hospitality has given me my career for over 25 years and it just feels like the right thing to do to give something back particularly with the hard times likely to be around the next corner.”
Matteo Delrio, Head Concierge
Luke Dockrill, Deputy General Manager
Both from Charlotte Street Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
Both completed the Virtual TSC London Marathon
“Running a marathon is never easy. However, the thoughts of all the support and donations received from colleagues and friends towards our cause gave us the energy to get through it (particularly after mile 20 😊).
Hospitality Action does an amazing job supporting our industry peers in need, and after so many years spent working in the hospitality industry we have decided to try and give something back.”
What an amazing bunch! On behalf of everyone who will benefit from the funds they raised. We thank you!
There is still time to donate to these fab runners:
Matteo Delrio and Luke Dockrill
Hospitality Action doesn’t receive government funding. We rely on our wonderful supporters to help us raise moneys and every pound and penny counts!
If you want to make a difference and have a fundraising idea, please contact the fundraising team. We will help and support you all along your fundraising journey.
Hospitality people who find themselves in trouble need our safety net.
#wevegotyou