More than 120 runners took on the Oxford Half Marathon in support of Homeless Oxfordshire on Sunday, impressively raising over £26,000, to help people experiencing homelessness across the county.
This year’s event saw a record number of people run for Homeless Oxfordshire, making it the charity’s biggest Oxford Half Marathon team to date.
The £26,157 raised so far could almost fund a support worker for a year, helping people experiencing homelessness access the support they need to rebuild their lives.
The charity’s supporters were cheered on throughout the event by a dedicated Homeless Oxfordshire cheer point in Summertown, located at both the three and five-mile marks. The support station was staffed by trustees, Homeless Oxfordshire team members and even three four-legged canine supporters.
Among those taking part was Vaughn Lawfull, who chose to run the Oxford Half Marathon to celebrate his 60th birthday after taking up running later in life. His connection to the charity dates back four decades, having volunteered with Homeless Oxfordshire when it operated as The Oxford Night Shelter in 1986.
Adding a unique touch to the event, runners wore specially designed charity running tops featuring artwork created by Homeless Oxfordshire residents in collaboration with local artist Lisa Made It.
The design originated from a mural inspired by residents’ experiences and emotions, which was exhibited in an Oxford art gallery before being installed permanently in one of the charity’s houses.
At the heart of the artwork are the words “Never Give Up” – a message that reflects both the charity’s approach to supporting residents and the determination shown by participants on race day.
Liza Clothier, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Homeless Oxfordshire, said:
“From the people showing up to cheer on random strangers to the generous donations we have seen in support of our amazing runners, the Oxford Half reminds us year after year of the good in our local community.
“We were so proud to have such a high number of committed participants giving their time and literal sweat to raise money for Homeless Oxfordshire this year, and we are over the moon to have raised such a phenomenal amount.
“We depend on fundraising and donations to enable our life-changing work to continue, and I see daily the difference this amount of money makes in supporting people experiencing homelessness.”
The fundraising total continues to grow as sponsorship donations are still being received.
