Beresfords Marathon Man Raises Cash for First Step

3rd May 2018

One of our Area Managers, Jason Smith, hot-footed it through the streets of London on Sunday 22 April as he took on the London Marathon to raise much-needed funds for First Step, a Havering charity which supports children with special needs.

We have supported the charity since First Step's early days and we are keen to give the charity a boost as the organisation reaches its 30^th milestone, whilst we celebrates our 50^th!

Jason Smith, Area Manager and marathon runner, explains: "I've wanted to do the London Marathon for years, but have been slightly daunted by the prospect of running just over 26 miles, but it was for an extremely good cause, so I trained hard and completed the course in a very respectable four hours and 16 minutes."

"I started running about five years ago to get fit and I really enjoy it. I've already completed a number of races such as a 5K and 10K runs even a 100K endurance race last year! But nothing really prepared me for last Sunday's hot weather! However, the whole thing is just amazing, the organisation, the crowds, the buzz of the day is intoxicating and just a few days after the marathon I can't wait to do it all again."

First Step began in October 1988 in response to a plea from some parents of young children based in Hornchurch, Essex, with special needs and/or disabilities. Since that time, the charity has evolved to provide a range of sessions and services. First Step currently works with over 100 pre-school children, and their families, offering education services, support, information and encouragement.

Jason has so far raised nearly £1200! To support Jason in his fundraising, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jasonrunningforfirststep.