Kevin Sawers from Bitterne is looking for a mate to play chess with while simultaneously running the 10k ABP Southampton Marathon in April for a charity helping eradicate loneliness.
The 47-year-old’s ‘opening gambit’ is to play and run the race in aid of Communicare, which helps vulnerable, isolated people in the city, and he needs someone to partner him.
Kevin explains: “I have run the marathon in aid of the charity for several years now. My wife Bryony works there, so I hear first hand about all the great work it does helping those in need of support and friendship in Southampton.
“I’m a keen runner and a member of Hedge End Running Club. Back in 2023, I combined my hobbies of running and juggling when I entered. This year, I thought I’d look for a partner, so I can bring running together with one of my other favourite pastimes, playing chess.
“’I don’t mind whether you’re an occasional chess player or a grandmaster, as we’ll just be having fun while completing the race and raising as much money as possible for the charity.”
The 10th anniversary ABP Southampton Marathon, which encompasses a 5k, 10km, half marathon and full marathon, takes place on Sunday, April 6, 2025. As well as looking for someone to run and play chess with Kevin, Communicare would like as many other runners or walkers as possible to join its team.
Annie Clewlow, Communicare Manager, says: “We’re delighted Kevin has decided to take on this challenge for us and we wish him the very best of luck in finding a partner. The current economic climate means we need fundraising like this more than ever before. Every penny we receive goes towards making someone’s life better.
“We’re here to help people live their best lives, rather than to just exist. The money raised will help support our multi-generational initiatives befriending people in communities city-wide, through our Good Neighbours Network. Our mission is to eradicate loneliness and isolation, which potentially represents a significant health risk in all age groups.”
Communicare is currently supporting more than 750 individuals/families through tasks including, befriending, transport for appointments and assistance with shopping and always needs more donations and volunteers to help with its work.
Annie adds: “We know that running isn’t for everyone, so if you’d like to be part of our Support Squad, we’d love to hear from you. Our ‘Communibear’ costume is available too. Or perhaps you’d like to help in our gazebo at the race village and tell people about our work, as well as encouraging and supporting our runners/walkers.
“We also need as many people as possible to sponsor our team this year, as we’d like to raise more than £2,000 from this event. Please sponsor #TeamCommSoton via JustGiving here: justgiving.com/campaign/communicaremarathon25.
“If you’re already signed up to run independently with ABP but would like to nominate us as your chosen charity, please get in touch. We’ll send you sponsorship forms and also give you a Communicare running T-shirt to wear.
“If you’re entering the 5K, it is more cost-effective to do this as an individual runner rather than use one of our places. We’ll still give you a T-shirt to wear and count you as a member of our team.
“If you feel daunted by these distances or are more of a walker, please don’t be put off! As well as offering a fast race for those wanting to push themselves, the 5k and 10k events offer interesting routes around our city passed key landmarks along the way. Run what you can, alternate running and walking, or just walk and enjoy the experience and the lively atmosphere!”
To download the registration form, click on the following link www.communicareinsouthampton.org.uk/marathon-2025/.
If you’re interested in joining Kevin, please call the Communicare on 023 8250 0050 or email events@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk
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