From Dan Beedell, east to west Communications:
“I recently got to experience something I’d never done before: attending the London Marathon, not as a runner (those who know me will know I’m built for comfort not speed!) but as a supporter of Matt, fiancé of Caz, the Relational Support Worker at Thomas Knyvett College. A small group of us tracked Matt around the course, from Surrey Quays to Bermondsey, and from Canary Wharf all the way to the finish. At each point we waited to cheer him on, and 4hr 45mins 37seconds later he crossed the line.
As I watched the thousands of runners stream past, with a ready mix of costumes (including rhinos, superheroes, adult babies and even Big Ben!) something made me feel quite emotional: Each and every one of them had a reason for taking part, a story of motivation to tell. The NHS nurse collapsing on the line trying to qualify for the world championships, the EastEnders actors running to raise funds for dementia research, or the multitudes taking part in memory of loved ones…every step they took was about self-discovery and achieving a purpose. It’s about courage and determination. Jake Sudworth, a former east to west volunteer (and son of past team member Nicki) suffered a knee injury after 21 miles. The last 5 miles took him over 90 minutes, but he persevered and crossed the line in 6hr 14mins.
Just like the 42,549 marathon runners, those that east to west support all have their own unique stories. Stories which speak of sadness, loneliness and sorrow, of excitement, renewal, a brighter future and ultimately hope… Stories where dedication and perseverance are crucial and where limping and hobbling to the line are just as effective as a sprint finish. As the old adage goes, “it doesn’t matter how
you finish, as long as you do”.
Matt’s story was about fulfilling a dream, helping the charity his fiancée loves working for, bringing hope to young lives. In all likelihood, Matt will never meet the children, young people and families his fundraising efforts (nearly £4,000) are supporting. They may never know that the Relational Support Worker, Emerge Volunteer, Counsellor or Family Link Worker helping them has been funded by the mile upon mile of Matt’s dedication and determination to succeed. What happened is that two stories have met – Matt’s and those his efforts have helped, and in that meeting hope has been found.”
You, too, can help east to west and the young people they support, letting your own story converge with theirs. Check out their website https://www.easttowest.org.uk/ to see how you can fundraise or contribute privately to their work, and most of all join in with prayer for all they do.