A Southport man is getting ready to run the 2023 London Marathon to raise as much money as he can for Southport Soup Kitchen.
Harry Topping will be joining thousands of runners making their way through the streets of the capital on 23rd April on the challenging 26.2-mile course.
He has already raised over £2,800 through Harry Topping Harry’s page on Just Giving, and is encouraging people to donate.
Harry has been a member of the Southport and Birkdale Sports Club since he was young and is delighted to see that he has now inspired S&B to back Southport Soup Kitchen as one of the club’s two chosen charities this year.
There will be lots of opportunities for people to donate with an exciting array of events taking place at Trafalgar Road throughout 2023, including the Lancashire County Cricket match against Hampshire, the England Over 60s v Australia Over 60s Ashes, and the S&B Cricket and Beer Festival.
Harry, aged 26, is currently working for Investec, a finance company in London.
He was born and bred in Southport, having attended Churchtown Primary School, Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, and Leeds University.
Harry was really keen to support Southport Soup Kitchen as a local charity which has a huge impact in the community.
He said: “I’m delighted to have secured myself a place in the London Marathon and will be enduring 26.2 miles of hell in the name of Southport Soup Kitchen.
“There are countless amazing charities out there doing incredible work, but, during the current cost of living crisis, it’s smaller charities which rely on a smaller pool of annual donations and volunteers that really feel the pinch. What I’d like to do with this opportunity is to raise money for a vital local cause, where £2,000 is going to make a big difference.
“Southport Soup Kitchen has been providing hot food and drink, basic essentials and a welcoming environment to all who need it for over 20 years. It is the only charity in Southport run entirely by volunteers and receives no government funding, so every donation, however small, really will make a big difference.
“It costs Southport Soup Kitchen around £12,000 to run per year but they couldn’t operate without people’s kind donations beyond just money.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support so far but would absolutely love to get to £3,700, which would cover them from 1st January to the date of the London Marathon!
“A huge thank you to anyone who donates and, finally, a massive thank you to Investec for giving me the chance to run.
“At Investec I manage finances on behalf of a number of charities.
“I hear from a lot of charities that they are really struggling raising the money they need this year with the cost of living crisis and the energy crisis.
“I wanted to support a small, local charity where money raised will make a huge difference.”
Harry is delighted that Southport and Birkdale Sports Club has been inspired by his efforts to choose Southport Soup Kitchen as one of its two chosen charities this year.
He said: “I am really pleased that S&B Chair Andrew Carney has taken Southport Soup Kitchen on for S&B!
“The charity does a remarkable job of providing hot meals for people who really need their help as well as working with other local charities and organisations such as Southport Salvation Army to provide basic provisions and things like furniture for families during such tough times.
“I have spent some great times at S&B. I played cricket with the Under 14s and played tennis there. When I was growing up it was a bit of a social hub. Meeting all my friends there when I was growing up was fantastic.”
With just a few weeks to go, Harry’s training is now in full swing.
He said: “This is the first time I have ever run a marathon!
“I ran a half marathon 10 years ago.
“I thought it would be a really good challenge to take on.
“I am not really a runner! I was always enjoying different sports growing up, but not running so much. My legs have been in bits!
“I am really stepping up my training now and am looking forward to it.
“I have been overwhelmed by the support I have had from everyone.”
If anyone would like to donate food, goods, or volunteer at Southport Soup Kitchen please visit: southportsoupkitchen.wordpress.com
OTS News on Social Media