On Saturday, 7th June, we had a wonderful Bingo Night in St. Augustine’s Church Hall in Bristol, where people from the community came together to raise money for Jesuit Refugee Service UK. We shouted ‘House!’, tried our luck in the raffle, and spent an evening full of fun and laughter with friends. For myself, the evening held special significance because, with the help of all these lovely people, I was finally crossing my finishing line. Let me explain…
In the middle of 2024, I was suffering from anxiety, and struggling to cope after my dad passed away. To try and help myself, I decided to get back into running. In the company of my dog (who is way faster than me), and friends, I found that physical exertion and camaraderie helped hugely, giving me the head space to process my grief. The distances we ran grew longer and longer …and so the idea of entering the London Marathon was born.
Looking back, it was both ambitious and mad but, when Jesuit Refugee Service UK offered me a place in return for fundraising £2000, I jumped at the chance to have a new running goal and to feel that I was doing something worthwhile.
Fast forward through those cold, wet, muddy days of training – when the thought of a warm shower and a cup of tea was the only thing that kept me going – to a hot Sunday, 27th April, at the start of the London Marathon. The city was incredible, the energy from the crowds magical, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. However, even with the medal round my neck I hadn’t quite finished because I also wanted to reach my fundraising target.
That’s where the lovely Faby Doano came in to help me organise the Bingo Night. With the kindness of the people at St. Augustine’s who allowed us to use the Hall, and the enthusiasm and generosity of everyone who came, the evening was a great success. Having invested £120 in prizes, their support enabled us to recoup that and raise a further £376.20! More Importantly, they got me over that finish line of £2000 – with more to add – for the Jesuit Refugees Service UK.
I am extremely grateful and humbled. When we come together to support each other something special is created. Thank you.
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