Our very own “Marathon Man” Robert Peacock is being given £2,500 from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for running two major races within a month to help the people of Ukraine.
Robert, a mechanical design engineer, has already completed the Carlisle Half Marathon, which was held on March 13, and is preparing to run the Manchester Marathon on Sunday April 3.
The money from our Trust will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) – a group of 15 UK aid agencies, including the British Red Cross, Oxfam and Save the Children – who have set up the Ukrainian Appeal for the millions of people forced to flee their country after the invasion by Russia.
The money will also help those who have stayed in Ukraine, where there is an urgent need for food, water, shelter and medical care.
“Homes in Ukraine have been destroyed and water supplies, hospitals and schools have been hit,” said Robert.
“The DEC appeal will help people who have fled Ukraine, but also those who have been displaced to other parts of the country.
“I’m speechless at the generous donation to the Ukraine Appeal via my marathon. The money is going to a great cause.”
“And I’ll keep you updated with how the run goes.”
Robert said he was not fazed by the amount of training he must do to run two big races within a month.
“I’ve followed a 15-week plan, running five times a week. I’ve been really strict with myself and only missed a few sessions due to a niggly hamstring injury I picked up in February.
“Since Christmas, I’ve run 50-70km plus most weeks ranging from 5km to 35km sessions.
“The sessions are quite varied which keeps it engaging … I always have two rest days a week to recover.
“Running through the winter has been a challenge as I’ve had to deal with ice, snow and a lot of rain. I’ve forced myself out into the wind and rain but if it’s been too treacherous, I’ve used the treadmill in the gym.”
David Facenna, our Corporate Culture Director, said he was delighted the Trust was sponsoring Robert’s efforts: “Most of us wouldn’t even attempt a half marathon, but to do that and a full marathon within a month takes a huge level of commitment, especially when Robert’s doing it for such a worthwhile cause.
“We wanted to do something to help the people of Ukraine and doing it through the DEC seemed the best way to help, so I’m delighted the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is supporting Robert on such a massive undertaking.”
You can support Robert’s effort by clicking this link
