Media release: Young people tackled the Great North Run to show appreciation to the charity that supports them

One of the young runners, Daniel, 19, completed the race in approximately three hours. He said: “It’s been exhausting! It’s a good job I like a challenge! I’m so pleased to be able to give something back to Centrepoint, to say thanks for the support they have shown me”.

Daniel was made homeless as a result of family breakdown. He was kicked out of home at the age of 18. After living independently for six months, Daniel could no longer keep up with payments on his property and his tenancy was not renewed. Without family to turn to for support, he spent the next six months sleeping at friends houses, wherever he could find space on a floor or sofa. Eventually Daniel came to Centrepoint, where he found a safe place to call home. From this starting point Daniel has had the support to turn his life around.

Steve Scott, Service Manager at Derwentside said: “Everyday Centrepoint provides support for over 800 young people. It is a tribute to the work that Centrepoint does when young people and staff choose to show their appreciation and support by taking on challenges like this. Well done to everyone who took part. It will have been worth it when their weary feet recover! Please continue donating to the Centrepoint team online at www.justgiving.com/cpgnr.”

The Centrepoint team prepared for the race for months with a rigorous training schedule which has now paid off. They are still working hard to reach their fundraising target to raise money for Centrepoint to reach more and more of the vulnerable homeless young people in the UK today, to support them to turn their lives around.

For more information about Centrepoint, or for pictures and interviews please contact Alex Bolton at Centrepoint on Tel: 020 7423 6887 or email a.bolton@centrepoint.org

Notes to editors:

Picture shows young person from the Centrepoint team donning his medal after completing the race.

About Centrepoint

• Centrepoint is the national charity working to improve the lives of socially excluded homeless young people aged 16-25.  It provides a range of accommodation based services, including emergency night shelters and short stay hostels, specialist projects for care leavers, ex-offenders, young single parents, foyers and supported flats and floating support services. These accommodation services provide the foundations from which young people can start tackling the issues that lead to them becoming homeless, and developing the skills they need for a sustainable future.
•  Centrepoint is a leading national charity that successfully prevents and tackles youth homelessness.
• HRH Prince William became Centrepoint’s patron in 2005.
• Since 1969 Centrepoint has helped more than 70,000 young people.
• At any one time Centrepoint works with over 800 young people.
• For further information about the work of Centrepoint, see www.centrepoint.org.uk