Two dedicated groups of runners on the Isle of Wight have successfully completed the 2024 Isle of Wight Marathon, raising funds for the invaluable services provided by the Isle of Wight Youth Trust.
As well as traditional counselling, the trust has expanded to include a range of holistic services, from fun social events, employment & housing support and a social action taskforce.
The Isle of Wight Marathon is a 26.2-mile race held annually on the Isle of Wight, England. It is one of the oldest marathons in the UK, having been established in 1957. The race is known for its scenic course, which takes runners through quiet rural roads, coastal paths, and picturesque villages. It attracts runners of all levels from around the world.
Team Tuesday, a group of members from the Love Running Tuesday Nighters running group, and Nicola Barton, a local resident, took on the challenging marathon to support the Youth Trust’s vital work in providing wellbeing services, advice & counselling to young people aged 25 and under.
Nicola Barton shared her personal connection to the Youth Trust, expressing her gratitude for the support they provided to her daughter. She said:
“It was the toughest one I’ve run. I used up everything in my tank and I did think quitting would be nice, but I didn’t. The work youth trust has done for my daughter and continue to do with the support in snack and chat, the difference in her compared to last year is amazing. I’m proud of her, and happy to have helped raise some funds.,”
Jo Randall & Deb Morley of Team Tuesday also expressed their motivations for supporting The Isle of Wight Youth Trust.
“This is the 3rd year we had a “Team Tuesday” running the IOW Marathon for a local charity, and this year we chose to run for IW Youth Trust
“The Trust had already helped one member of the team, and so it was a labour of love.
“It was a long hot summer of training runs and ups and downs with injuries and anxieties, but we all remained focused on our goal: to raise awareness and funds for this lovely charity and achieve that elusive 26.2 miles!
“The Trust supported us by visiting a Love Running Tuesday Nighters session, supplying us with lovely race vests and checking in with us regularly, and it was fabulous to have Jo Dare from the charity there to see us off on race day!
“We are all proud to have supported Youth Trust and weathered the ups and downs of running a marathon – especially a tough one like IOW! “
Debbie Morley, who chose the trust and has experienced the vital benefits it brings to Island youth, and their families, said:
“I chose The Isle of Wight Youth Trust, as it gives essential support and help to our local youth. The trust makes such a difference to island children’s lives and their families for so many in their times of need”.
Jo Dare CEO of The Isle of Wight Youth Trust shared her congratulations and appreciation to both Team Tuesday and Nicola Barton for their athletic endeavour and support of the charity.
“We are incredibly grateful to members of the Team Tuesday running group, and Nicola Barton, for their generous support of the Youth Trust. Their participation in the Isle of Wight Marathon, collectively raising over £2,400 makes a practical, positive impact on our ability to provide vital support services to young people on the Island. Their efforts are truly inspiring, and we are so pleased that they wanted to champion our work.”
