A Medley of Marathoners

16th November 2021

Over the past couple months, we have had an array of supporters completing various marathons, including the Virgin Media London Marathon. We want to thank each and every one of them for putting so much effort into supporting our charity!

Below are a few stories from some of these amazing marathoners.

Ryan Carley

I am delighted to have been accepted by Lighthouse to run for their charity for this event, as being fairly new to the construction industry – joining when I turned 19, I know there are still opportunities to improve the way mental health problems are discussed in the workplace. I lead teams of vastly experienced operatives who have been working in the construction industry for many years and it’s encouraging to know that charities are available to offer them support should work related illnesses or injuries occur. If I can help give this charity more recognition through sharing the work they do to try to reduce the harrowing statistic of 2 construction worker suicides every day, then running a marathon in return is a no brainer.

POST RUN The marathon itself went pretty well – It was my first ever marathon and I finished in 3 hours and 4 minutes exactly. It was slightly over the target time I set for myself but after a dramatic forced stop after 21 miles to throw up 3 times, I was happy to get back on the road and force myself to finish. (I won’t send you that picture… 🙂 ).
The atmosphere on the course was like something I had never experienced before, so I am so grateful to Lighthouse for offering me one of their charity spots.
More importantly I am very happy that as a result of fundraising I am nearing £1000 raised for the Lighthouse Construction Charity.
It has been really enjoyable fundraising for this charity, as working in the construction industry myself, I am fully aware of the need of wellbeing support services for our construction workers. I have actively encouraged my workers to take a note of the Construction Industry Helpline number and, for those that were not aware of the charity, I have also had the pleasure of educating people of the work that you do, and have forwarded on links to all the services that are on offer.

Ros and Simon Morris

(Ros had to pull out due to injury) 

‘Si and I met many years ago whilst working on the same construction site in Milton Keynes, we married in 2019. I have now left the industry but Si has stayed with construction, working on some really interesting projects, mainly within the sports and leisure sector.  We both feel really lucky to be running the marathon together in October and are taking the opportunity to raise money for the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. It’s a chance for us to benefit an industry that has given us so much and has had to keep going throughout the pandemic.
Neither us are runners but are looking forward to the challenge and experience of running the London Marathon’.

POST RUN-“ Construction has been a big part of my life so I was pleased to be able to raise some money for the Lighthouse Charity, by running the London Marathon.  It’s reassuring to know that there is a charity that will be on hand to support all my friends and colleagues within the industry should they need it.  I had an amazing day.  Many thanks to everyone who supported me and to everyone who kindly donated to such a great cause.”

Steve Savage

My name is Steve and I live in Yorkshire. Like a lot of us I have friends and family who work in construction. I also work and manage within the industry and have seen first hand the charity help one of my team when he needed help most. I am shocked at the number of men working in construction who needlessly take their own lives and if I can do anything to help I want to. We all need help at times, even if it’s just someone to trust and to talk to. So I have decided to run 3 events, starting with a July marathon in Leeds, then a 31 mile ultra marathon in London along the Thames in Sept and finishing with the London marathon in October. I will run over 800 miles in training alone so please support me to support those around us who may need it but don’t know where to go for help. Many Thanks Steve.

POST RUN–  The lighthouse charity is special as you helped one of my team through a tough time a couple of years ago. So completing two marathons and an ultra-marathon raising money and awareness for this brilliant charity has been a real pleasure, particularly while we all still continue through these COVID times. And there was no better way to finish than running the London Marathon. Wow! what an event, what a day and what an complete privilege. Thank you Lighthouse club for the opportunity.

John King

Working as the head of well-being, health and safety at BW workplace experts & a trustee of the Construction health and safety group I am more than aware of the pressures and needs of those working within the construction industry, I couldn’t think of a better way to show my support for such a worthy cause than an early morning stroll, well 27.2 miles later and my first thought was never again, but upon reflection 26 miles to raise funds for the lighthouse charity was not that bad. A thoroughly enjoyable day walking the Essex coastline raising sponsorship and looking after my mental health. Thank you the lighthouse charity for the opportunity  to do my small part.

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