Supporters of national youth homelessness charity Centrepoint took long-distance running in their stride to raise over £35,000 in the Flora London Marathon on Sunday April 13^th. This year, the 16 strong team comprising of both first time marathon participants and seasoned runners, some of whom were supporting Centrepoint for the second consecutive year, took to London’s streets to tackle the gruelling 26.2 mile course.

Centrepoint works to improve the life chances of hundreds of homeless and socially excluded 16-25 year olds, by not only giving them a place to stay but by providing them with support programmes that help them develop the social, educational and life skills needed to move on to independent living.

Gill Nunn, of Blackheath, South East London, pictured above being met at the finish line by her two youngest supporters, showed tremendous dedication when she took to the demanding course. Not only did Gill complete the London marathon in a fantastic time of 3 hours and 48 minutes, but she is also gearing up to take on a second marathon just a week later. Gill will take part in the Boston marathon on April 21^st where she will tackle the infamous steep incline known as ‘Heartbreak Hill’. Gill has raised £3,500 for Centrepoint and it is still possible to sponsor Gill by donating at http://www.justgiving.com/gills2marathonchallenge.

Gill said; “As a Centrepoint trustee I know that donations are put to excellent use. Centrepoint does amazing work to help homeless young people to realise their potential and develop the skills and confidence they need for a bright future”

On completing the first of her two marathons in 3 hours and 48 minutes, Gill said: “It was hard work getting through 26 miles but the atmosphere was absolutely incredible and helped when the going got tough. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of the next one! Thank you to everyone who has shown their support in sponsoring me”.

Jeremy Gray, Director of services at Centrepoint said: “We are enormously grateful to all of our runners for choosing to support us. Their dedication to training and the determination they have shown in completing the course and raising a fantastic sum of £35,000 will make such a big difference to the young people that Centrepoint supports.”

ENDS

For more information about Centrepoint, or for pictures and interviews please contact Alex Bolton at Centrepoint on Tel: 020 7423 6887 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Notes to editors:

About Centrepoint

Centrepoint is the national charity working to improve the lives of socially excluded homeless young people.  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