We are always so grateful for the support we receive from people willing to make a difference and join us in our efforts to protect and empower vulnerable children across disadvantaged communities in Africa.
We recently met with some of the 2016 London Marathon runners fundraising for Chance for Childhood and our partner charity, Street Child Africa and we are so excited to have such enthusiastic supporters representing us!
Alexia & Aurelie
Why did you choose to raise money for Chance for Childhood or Street Child Africa?
Alexia & Aurelie: (Alexia) I met Vanessa Buvens (Chance for Childhood’s Senior Programmes Officer) more than two years ago so I have been following her projects for quite some time and Aurelie and I both feel very close to Chance for Childhood’s choices and objectives! When I talked to Aurelie about this double challenge she was on board straightaway!
Mick: I am running with Chance for Childhood in memory of my ex-partner. Seeing as she had even requested donations from her funeral to go towards the charity, I also wanted to do my part.
Gift: Coming from an African heritage myself, I was quite moved by the plight of children in Africa, especially orphans and girls. I wanted to do my part in tackling this issue by supporting Street Child Africa.
Mick
Whilst you are preparing for the event and fundraising, do you have any success stories you would like to share?
Mick: Through my job delivering pizzas, I let my customers know that I am running the marathon and explain that should they wish to tip, the money would go towards Chance for Childhood. It has been incredibly heart-warming to experience such support and generosity even from strangers.
Gift: As part of my training for the marathon, I recently completed a 10 mile cycling event. This was something new and challenging for me and it was great to come outside my comfort zone.
Alexia & Aurelie: It’s very touching when people you don’t even know are sponsoring you just because they support the cause and think that the whole thing is amazing!
Gift
What advice would you give to those wanting to take part in a similar event in the future?
Gift: Running a marathon is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical challenge. Having a personal attachment to the cause and doing it for a purpose is something that will strongly motivate you throughout your fundraising, training and on the actual day!
Mick: If you have faced loss or hardships, always look to turn negativity into an opportunity of transformation.
Alexia & Aurelie: We would highly recommend it as running a marathon is already a great adventure, doing it for a a charity that does a great job is even greater and knowing that people are supporting you is a great feeling! As advice, don’t be afraid to chase people!
Here are each of their online fundraising pages. You can follow their journey and support towards the cause.
If you would like to support Chance for Childhood in our next challenge event, we still have spaces for the London Prudential Ride
The deadline for registering with Chance for Childhood is Monday 23 May.