A determined Southport man will be running through the pain barrier when he takes on the 2023 London Marathon!
For Harry Topping, every mile will be worthwhile as he takes on the 26.2 mile challenge to raise as much money as he can for Southport Soup Kitchen.
He has already raised over £3,000 for the charity, which provides hot meals for people who need their help.
He will be cheered on by everyone at Southport and Birkdale Sports Club, after he inspired the thriving community club to take on Southport Soup Kitchen as their 2023 Charity of The Year.
People can donate to Harry’s London Marathon fundraising efforts via his Just Giving page here.
He said: “In all honesty training has been bad, for the last six weeks I’ve been injured – last night I ran 20 km as a recovery run that was much too long!
“I will always thank the guys at Southport Soup Kitchen for the amazing work they do.
“I spent a day down there about a month ago and was slightly starstruck by the work they do. “Please let everyone know if they want to make the food or dish it out they’ll be welcomed into one of the warmest communities in Southport and they won’t regret a second!”
Harry will be joining thousands of runners making their way through the streets of the capital this Saturday (23rd April 2023) on the famous 26.2-mile course.
He has already raised over £3,000 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: “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, my initial target, 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.”
If anyone would like to donate food, goods, or volunteer at Southport Soup Kitchen please visit: southportsoupkitchen.wordpress.com
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