Headteacher Paul Jackson and Anne Elkins from the Felix Project
(Picture: Felix Project)The Felix Project has been unveiled as the official partner for The Big Half run - with 50 places being offered for those who want to raise money for the food charity.
The half marathon on Sunday 4 September will see more than 14,000 runners start north of the River Thames close to Tower Bridge, head east towards Canary Wharf, loop back and cross Tower Bridge then head to the finish at the Cutty Sark in Greenwich.
The charity is offering places for The Big Half to runners who want to run as part Team Felix, which is aiming to raise more than £30,000.
The Felix Project is London’s leading food redistribution charity. It collects fresh, surplus food that cannot be sold amd delivers it to charities and schools so they can provide healthy meals and help the most vulnerable in society.
The £30,000 it hopes to raise through the run would be enough to provide more than 135,000 meals and stop the retail equivalent of over £165,000 worth of good food from being wasted.
Now in its fifth year, The Big Half features three running events with a distance for everyone - including the flagship half marathon, The Big Half - plus The Big Mile for people of all ages and abilities, and the New Balance Big Relay, which offers participants the opportunity to experience the event as part of a team, each running 5km.
Paul Jackson, the headteacher at Manorfield Primary in Poplar, that is supported by the Felix Project, is encouraging people from across the capital to sign up for this year’s The Big Half marathon and take a stand against hunger and food waste in London.
He said: “It is vital as many people as possible sign up for this event, it is a great way to fight hunger in London and make a difference to the lives of people all over the city. Food poverty is a worsening crisis; at our school around 70% of pupils need some level of support. We are so grateful for the incredible free food deliveries that The Felix Project volunteers make each and every week for our families. I’ll be challenging myself to run the half this year and I hope to see you there.”
Charlotte Hill, CEO of The Felix Project said: “We really want to fill all those places, it’s so important, especially in the current climate. The cost-of-living crisis is affecting us all, but for those already struggling it is devastating and has left many people and families unable to afford food, rent and bills.
“We have seen a large increase in demand and it is vital we fundraise to ensure we can help all those that so desperately need it. Having events like this partner with our cause is incredible and we are hugely grateful for the support.
“If you feel able to take up a place and support our work, please join me in getting your trainers on this summer and help us feed London.”
The Felix Project was set up by former Evening Standard chairman Justin Byam Shaw in memory of his late son Felix.
To sign up or for more information visit thefelixproject.org
