John GOOD
John is running the TCS London Marathon 2025 for YMCA Bournemouth
Fundraising for YMCA England and Wales
Story
Hey friends! I’ve always said I’d never run a full marathon. I’ve done half-marathons, and that was more than enough. But here I am, training for the 2025 TCS London Marathon—and there’s one reason I’m doing it: YMCA Bournemouth. As a chaplain for YMCA Bournemouth, I get to see the real, tangible impact this charity has on people’s lives. Not just numbers or stats, but actual faces. Actual stories.
There’s the walking football team—a group of men who meet every week, not just for the game, but for the coffee and conversation afterward, where real community happens. There’s the counseling program, where people who could never afford private therapy find life-changing support at an incredibly low cost. There are the families finding hope again, the people who once had no home now part of something bigger.
And that’s why I’m running. Because YMCA Bournemouth is all about wholeness—mind, body, and soul.
Why YMCA Bournemouth? Well here is just a taste of the work we do.
Every step I take in this marathon is about building brighter futures. YMCA Bournemouth provides more than just shelter—it offers a fresh start for those who need it most.
🏠 114 beds across four housing projects for men and women aged 18 to 65 who need a place to rebuild their lives.
🔑 Life skills workshops, addiction recovery, and employment support to help residents gain independence.
💬 Low-cost counseling and mental health support, making professional help accessible to those in crisis.
🤝 Deep partnerships with charities, businesses, and local government, ensuring real community impact beyond the YMCA’s own walls.
As Gareth Sherwood, CEO of YMCA Bournemouth, puts it:
We are thrilled to have two incredible individuals representing YMCA Bournemouth in this year’s TCS London Marathon. Their efforts will raise vital funds that empower our residents to overcome challenges and develop the skills they need to lead fulfilling, independent lives. This marathon is not just about the race but about building brighter futures together.
How You Can Help
I’m not just running a marathon—I’m running for them. For those finding home, hope, and healing through YMCA Bournemouth’s work.
Here’s how you can be part of this journey:
💙 Donate: Your support funds housing, counseling, and community programs. (Although the first £500 will be donated to YMCA England & Wales to cover the entrance fee and their costs)
📢 Share: Spread the word by sharing this page with your network.
💬 Encourage: Your words will keep me going when training gets tough!
Every step, every mile, every blister (there will be blisters) is for something bigger than me. And I’d love for you to be part of that.
Thank you for your support—together, we’re changing lives.
John
