Matt's Marathon Run for Peter Bedford

Matthew Smart, Supported Housing Worker for our Hackney office, is in training for a big challenge this September. And it's all for a good cause too! Matt will be running a half-marathon (that's over 13miles or 21k) and would like to see all the proceeds he raises go to the Roots and Boots Project at Peter Bedford.

Run to the Beat takes place on Sunday 25th September 2011 at The 02 Arena, London. It is a unique half marathon to music which starts and finishes in Greenwich and takes in the sights of East London. There will be 13 live music stations on the way, making this one of the liveliest half marathons in the country. Follow this link for more information on the event: http://www.runtothebeat.co.uk/

Matt is a first-year Social Work student on a 50 day placement at Peter Bedford. Reflecting on this big challenge, Matt commented "I have run a few 10k races but never done a half-marathon!" You can support Matt, and the work of the Roots and Boots Project, by sponsoring him. You can also offer your support in other ways, says Matt: "I would welcome anyone else who wants to join me on the day, either running or watching."

We will be posting a link soon for you to make your donation. You can also get in touch with Matt about the marathon using his email: matthew.smart@peterbedford.org.uk

Roots and Boots is a two year project delivered by Peter Bedford Housing Association, working in partnership with Groundwork London and funded by Ecominds (Mind and Big Lottery Fund). The project was set up in April 2010 to get more people across Islington and Hackney outside, in their gardens, and engaging with the natural environment. The project aims to transform unused gardens into greenspaces where produce can be grown and communities flourish - the aim is for up to 60 participants to benefit from the therapeutic value horticulture can bring.

Participants belonging to the project consist of people with mental health challenges, learning difficulties, substance misuse and may have come from a previous homeless or rootless background. The project also accepts some NHS referrals, external to tenants housed by Peter Bedford. To speak to someone about the Roots and Boots Project, contact the VCS Administrator at our Hackney office (020 7923 9255).