Local Mum Laura Takes On London Marathon for HARP

We're delighted to reveal HARP's first ever Virgin London Marathon charity runner for this year’s event.

Local mum Laura Dawson, 44, of Southend-on-Sea, will take on the 26.2 mile challenge on April 28th 2019, raising much needed funds for our services for homeless people in Southend.

Laura said “I had a difficult start in life, and things could’ve ended up very differently for me. I now work with children in care in my role with a local authority, and I know that people who have been through the care system make up a large proportion of homeless people. I’m running for HARP to do my bit and raise funds for such a worthy cause. No one should have to resort to sleeping on the streets, and HARP do amazing work with local people to help them overcome homelessness.”

Laura has exciting plans to raise money, including asking friends to pledge online, a bake sale, a sponsored swap shop, and selling each of the 26 marathon miles in exchange for a printed dedication on the leggings she’ll be wearing on the day of the race.

As a charity that supports over 1,100 people every year who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, we were very pleased to secure our first ever place in the London Marathon this year.

Dina Jobson, HARP’s Fundraising Manager, said “we were very excited to be allocated a slot for the London Marathon this year. Laura stood out as someone who is dedicated to improving people’s lives. We’re really looking forward to supporting Laura as she raises funds and trains hard to get ready for the marathon”.

If you’d like to support Laura’s marathon challenge, you can do so here > > https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LauraDawson13.