Congratulations Michael Wenger for completing the London Marathon 2014!!!

£737.38 has been raised, and donations will go towards our Homeless Families Project; this project supports 80 homeless families each year.

Thank you so much for your generosity. We are grateful for the commitment of our loyal supporters. We could not do it without you!

We understand and will respect those who wish to remain anonymous, but please know that your support and donations are very important to our mission.

Thanks again for all your support and have a wonderful summer. 

 - Westminster Befriend a Family (WBAF)

WHAT

 

I’ll be running in the 34th London Marathon on the 13th April 2014 in aid of Westminster Befriend a Family (WBAF). It has been my long term goal to run in the London Marathon, so what better way to take part than to have a target of raising £5,000 towards improving the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable families, especially those who are homeless, living in temporary and overcrowded accommodation.

WHY

There are lots of charities, so why am I supporting this one? My sister has been volunteering with Westminster Befriend a Family for 2 ½ years, providing practical and emotional support to families, and supporting their community events. I’ve heard from her about the great need, and the fantastic work of the charity’s 200 volunteers who support families that are isolated, without local family or friendship support. This is my inspiration for running the 26.2 miles.

 

I grew up on Catalina Island, a small island off the coast of Southern California, and I am privileged to be living in the UK whilst studying at the University of Roehampton. I’ve seen how social and economic changes are impacting families back home and here in London. 

 

I believe that each and every one of us at some point in our lives has needed help from a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour. Westminster Befriend a Family has been that friend for many families and young people.

 

Your donation will not only make you a supporter but also a friend!

 

HOW

Michael “Hills are my forte” Wenger 

I’m training hard for the event, but in a way I feel as if I’ve been training for this event for many years. I was 12 when I started running and volunteering at the many national races held on the island. It was exciting for me to see all of the hard work and dedication that was put into these races, and I knew I wanted to be a part of the action. I ran my first marathon when I was 13. It was grueling, but I realized that in order to compete I would need to train hard every day. A couple years later, I joined my high school cross country team. Though our athletic program was small and limited, the rough and beautiful terrain was inspiring. My team competed across Los Angeles County, and as Captain I led my team to win the cross country league. I later focused on distance races, and this became my primary interest.