running hat-trick for shelterbox
story by: John cleverley
A Rotarian from Thurso in Scotland has completed an epic running challenge, taking on three iconic events to raise money for people around the world who have been left without shelter.
Derek Sinclair, 51, pounded the streets for over 65 miles tackling marathons in London, Edinburgh, and Inverness to raise funds for the international disaster relief charity, ShelterBox.
The self-proclaimed novice runner, Derek, said: “I wanted to take on a challenge and raise funds for ShelterBox to mark my time as president of Thurso Rotary Club.
“I’d already secured spots for the Inverness Half Marathon and the Edinburgh Marathon when I unexpectedly got into the London Marathon too. I was apprehensive at first but then thought, what’s an extra marathon?! It’ll make it a hat-trick!
“All three runs went pretty smoothly. In Inverness I focussed solely on the running, missing the atmosphere. In London, it was impossible to miss it. It was electric with the cheering crowds and landmarks making it an unforgettable day.
“Edinburgh was the final test, and I was pleased to beat my London time. Even more thrilled to have completed the challenge and raise a decent amount of money for a very worthy cause.”
The Cornwall-based charity, ShelterBox, specialises in emergency shelter, supporting people who have been uprooted from their homes after disaster or conflict. As well as emergency shelter, it provides essential items like solar lights, water filters and mosquito nets to people left with very little.
“I wanted to take on a challenge and raise funds for ShelterBox to mark my time as president of Thurso Rotary Club.”
The charity was founded by a Rotary Club in Helston in 2000 and has since supported nearly three million people across around 100 countries. ShelterBox and Rotary have worked closely since the start and are official project partners working together around the world to deliver emergency shelter and aid to people who have been displaced.
Derek added: “I can’t thank everyone enough for their support. For all three events I was encouraged by messages from family, friends and ShelterBox staff wishing me good luck. Over 80 hours of training, covering over 500 miles on cold, dark mornings got me to the point where I could complete this challenge and do my part for people affected by disaster.”
Derek raised over £2,000 for ShelterBox, smashing his fundraising target for £1,300. Donations can still be given via his JustGiving page.
Fiona Turner, Rotary Engagement Officer at ShelterBox, says: “It’s been a pleasure following Derek and his running. We are so grateful for his support and can’t wait to hear what’s next.
“With more people being displaced every year, we’re scaling up our responses to deal with the growing demand for emergency shelter.
“We couldn’t continue to do this without the support of people, like Derek, who dedicate their time and efforts to raising money and awareness of the issues people are facing around the world.”
Derek Sinclair pounded the streets for over 65 miles tackling marathons in London, Edinburgh, and Inverness to raise funds for the international disaster relief charity, ShelterBox.
A ShelterBox assessment team is currently in the Caribbean where island nations were left devastated following Hurricane Beryl and is ready to respond if needed.
The charity has aid in Gaza, where it's working with local partners to distribute tents, tarpaulins, blankets, water carriers, kitchen sets and other essentials to thousands of people affected by the conflict. It's also responding to events like flooding in Bangladesh and Malawi, and conflict in Syria, Yemen, and Burkina Faso.
To find out more about ShelterBox and where the charity is working, visit: ShelterBox.org.
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