This Bank Holiday Monday I will be taking to the streets of Belfast to run 26.2 miles in aid of Madlug and Home for Good. In addition, there is a relay team running making us a team of 6. We have been very kindly sponsored by Melfitness, a personal trainer, who has very donated us with running t-shirts which have the respective logos printed on them.

There has been a fantastic ongoing fundraising effort and the generosity has been overwhelming. So far over £1000 has been raised. For every £25 raised, a Madlug bag will be given to a child in the care system. Meaning so far, a minimum of 40 bags will be given out. That means value and dignity has been given back to a child or young person who receives a bag. For me, that makes it all worthwhile.

For the purpose of this fundraiser, Madlug is teaming up with the charity Home for Good. This charity ultimately has the same vision of restoring value and dignity to young people and children who are in the care system. This is achieved through connections with the church as the charity seeks out foster families and increases awareness of the need for care support in the UK.

When I take a step back and look at the bigger picture I’m shocked. We think of the UK as a developed country, but yet in 2017, a child’s possessions are held together in a bin bag. For me this fact epitomises what life is often like for this children: without hope and without purpose. And that has to change. Madlug really does make a difference. For young people dignity is invaluable as it brings self belief. And with self belief comes ambition. That’s something everyone deserves, especially a young person.

I know that running a marathon will be an incredible experience but of course it will be hugely challenging. But when I think of the impact it will have, thanks to the incredible donations, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Andrew Newell

If you would like to support the team tomorrow and make a donataion to the work for Home for Good, follow the link: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/homefor-good/belfast-marathon