Jonathan Leeson, a Brighton Street Pastor, completed the Brighton Half Marathon on 25 February 2024 over his 70th birthday! Jonathan ran his first half marathon at age 54! He is hoping to raise £10,000 for the Ascension Trust, the umbrella body for Street Pastors nationally. A Street Pastor for several years, Jonathan previously patrolled in Tunbridge Wells. Jonathan says, "I love patrolling with my Street Pastors team, down by the beach and outside the clubs. It’s so worthwhile."

Established in 2003, Street Pastors, are trained volunteers from local churches who really care about the safety and wellbeing of their local communities and are led to serve those communities in a practical way through patrols in more than 200 towns and cities across the UK. Patrols typically take place during the hours of 10.00pm and 4.00am on a Friday or Saturday night, but also at other times.

Street Pastors work in partnership with the Church, Police, local authorities, and the night-time economy. During patrols they give out bottles of water, lollipops, chocolate, or flip-flops to those struggling to walk in their high heels. They can also provide first aid. Street Pastors can also provide a listening ear to those who are vulnerable or just want to chat, and support to members of the public who may be intoxicated due to drink or drugs. They can also signpost individuals to other services, and provide prayer where requested or would be appreciated.

Street Pastors care, listen and help their local communities and there is evidence that when Street Pastors are on patrol there is a reduction in antisocial behaviour of between 30% and 40%.

The target donation raised will fund the following for the Street Pastor network:

• Training and uniform for a further 30 Street Pastors

• Bottles of water

• Flip flops

• Lollipops/chocolates

• First Aid kits

• Space blankets for the homeless

• Coordinator support

For more information on Jonathan's half marathon please visit: https://www.streetpastors.org/brighton-half-marathon/

For more information on Street Pastors please visit: https://www.streetpastors.org/

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