Personal Information

Hello, I am Liam Hawthorne and I will be running the 2024 Edinburgh Marathon. This year I will be running it for Cyrenians and any donation of whatever size is greatly appreciated. 

I have chosen Cyrenians due to their work with the Lothians and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme (LEAP). The essential work done by  LEAP and Cyrenians has personally impacted me and my family due to their invaluable help with a close family members alcohol related issues.

My family and I are incredibly grateful that programmes such as LEAP and charities like Cyrenians exist to help combat issues such as substance abuse. While I recognise that there is no sum of money or distance I can run that would be able to pay back the debt of gratitude I have for everyone involved in my family members recovery, I sincerely hope that the money raised by this event will go to help others in similar situations or in other important work done by Cyrenians. 

- Liam.

Cyrenians on LEAP

"For those enrolled in LEAP (Lothian and Edinburgh Abstinence Project), we provide out-of-hours care and support, outwith time spent at the Astley Ainslie hospital. Working in partnership with NHS clinical staff and peer support workers we provide emotional support for residents promoting a ‘therapeutic community model’ – a participative, group-based approach dealing with addiction issues. Residents are encouraged to take part in group activities and to shape a wellbeing programme to suit their needs." - Cyrenians.

Information about LEAP

"LEAP is a treatment and rehabilitation programme for those dependent on alcohol and other drugs (including opiates, stimulants, cannabis, tranquillisers etc.) and usually lasts 3 months or longer. It is suitable for those who want to achieve a substance-free recovery. The programme is part of the services provided by the Addiction Treatment & Recovery Care Directorate and is delivered in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council, the Cyrenians, Encompass and Alcohol and Drug Partnerships." - LEAP. 

A word from Cyrenians 

At Cyrenians we tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness. With over 35 projects, we build community and nurture trusted relationships through our values-led and relationships-based approach. From our residential communities, to our FareShare depot; from our outreach teams to our employability courses; from our mediation and support work to our befriending services; Cyrenians offers support to those who need it most. We believe in the power of walking alongside someone as they move from a tough reality to a more stable future.