The Eikon Charity is recruiting runners to take part in two prestigious events to help raise funds for the charity’s critical work supporting vulnerable children in Surrey.
Surrey children’s charity, The Eikon Charity, has secured a limited number of spaces in both the London Marathon and Virtual London Marathon, taking place on Sunday 2nd October 2022. This year, there are two ways that you can enter the iconic London Marathon race and give children in Surrey someone to turn to. You can join over 50,000 runners in the stress of central London or tackle 26.2 miles at your own pace, on a course that suits you.
All runners taking part in the renowned race with The Eikon Charity will receive expert fundraising advice along the way, training support and an Eikon Charity running vest. Fatima, a previous London Marathon and Virtual London Marathon runner, says:
“Taking part in both the London Marathon last year and the Virtual Marathon in 2020 not only changed my life in terms of overcoming the mental and physical challenge when you’re training to run 26.2 miles, but it also helped changed the lives of so many children and young people through raising vital funds for The Eikon Charity. The entire experience has been life changing; I couldn’t recommend it enough! Do it! You will not regret it.”
The Eikon Charity asks each of its runners to fundraise for either event, which will make a huge difference to children facing serious challenges, often with no one else to turn to for support. Team Eikon London Marathon runners are asked to raise £2,000 and Virtual Marathon runners £300. With this money the charity can give more vulnerable children the support they deserve by providing one-to-one sessions, youth groups, lunch clubs, dedicated practitioners in schools and lots of other key services.
Founder and Chief Executive of The Eikon Charity, Chris Hickford MBE, says:
“In nearly 30 years of The Eikon Charity’s existence we have not seen the wellbeing of children and young people be so low. More children than ever are really struggling. By taking on one of the marathon challenges and raising money for Eikon, you can help us provide more caring and committed professionals in schools and communities across Surrey who support these children through their challenges and to improved health. Please get involved and fundraise so that we can be there for more children who need us. Thank you.”
The Eikon Charity helps children struggling with a range of serious challenges, they may be experiencing anxiety, loneliness, family loss, or being the victim of bullying, neglect or abuse. Some children feel so overwhelmed that they deliberately harm themselves, or even take their own lives. By working in partnership with schools, communities, health & social care and other organisations, Eikon focuses on supporting disadvantaged and at-risk children to help them overcome these challenges, find ways forward and thrive.
You can find more information at eikon.org.uk/run/
Notes to editors:
Image credits: AAT-events, Epic Action Imagery and Surrey Half
When this charity was set up we looked for a name that represented what we’re about. The word eikon (pronounced icon) comes from the Greek, meaning an image or picture; our hope was that we could help young people imagine a better future, unburdened by anxiety – that we could help them re-imagine what is possible and be well. We’ve not given up on that hope.
More information on the charity: www.eikon.org.uk
Media enquiries: press@eikon.org.uk
