Olympic medal-winning rower signed up to run for family support charity Home-Start Reading.

Having appeared at four Olympic Games, Alan Campbell has competed in the Men’s Single Scull and became Great Britain’s first medallist in the event since 1928 when he won bronze at the London 2012 Games.

Mr Campbell, based in Henley-on-Thames, works for Investment management company Invesco.

One of his colleagues is Home-Start Reading Trustee Naiya Patel, and it was her call for people to run for the charity that encouraged him to get involved.

Mr Campbell said: “Please donate whatever you can to support the important work of Home-Start Reading. The last two years have been brutal on families. Home-Start provide ongoing, non-judgemental, compassionate support for those families facing crisis.”

Reading Chronicle:

Above: Alan Campbell with his 2012 Olympic bronze medal

So far 22 people have put themselves forward to run the 40th Reading Half Marathon for the charity, including Frankie Smith.

Ms Smith is running for the charity as a way of saying thank you for the support they gave her during a rough time.

She said: “I have chosen to run for Home-Start Reading as they are a small local charity close to my heart that helped me socially, emotionally and financially when I was going through a hard time.

“They gave me somewhere to go once a week to meet other mums, and for my youngest child to play and make friends. The ladies that ran the group were so loving and caring and were always there to talk to if they were needed.

Reading Chronicle:

Above: Frankie Smith

 

“I cannot thank Home-Start enough for the few years they helped me and all the hard work and care they still give.”

 

Home-Start Reading support families in Reading through difficult times, to help parents give their children the best possible start in life.

 

Click here to sponsor any of the runners, or find out more information on Home-Start.