After more than 20 years working to help disadvantaged people in his professional life, Alderholt man Brendan O'Reilly is now running the London Marathon to help yet more.
Brendan 42 plans to run his first ever marathon to raise more than £1,200 for national Charity Shaw Trust which helps disabled and disadvantaged people find work and achieve independence.
"The work of the Trust is vital to so many people with disabilities and mental health issues," said Brendan who is an Acting Development Manager for Hampshire NHS Trust.
"I've worked closely with socially excluded people, the homeless and those with mental health issues for more than 20 years both in the inner city of
"I know how important it is for people to have support they need I want to raise as much money as possible to help Shaw Trust in their work helping people change their lives," said Brendan.
Brendan, a keen sportsman who has helped with youth football teams in Ringwood and Fordingbridge, only began running 18 months ago and has since built up his fitness sometimes accompanied on training runs by his three children on their bikes.
"My wife Louise and the children are all behind me and I have family in
"I've always wanted to run in the London Marathon. My colleagues at work, local church community and friends have all pledged to support me I'm determined to do my best for Shaw Trust," said Brendan.
To sponsor Brendan log on to www.justgiving.com/brendanoreilly or confirm donations by e-mailing: brendan.oreilly@tesco.net
Editors notes
1. For further details, please contact Becky Gammon on 07779 784901 or you can email: crucialpr@shaw-trust.org.uk
2. Shaw Trust is a national charity which for 25 years has helped people with disability or disadvantage to find work and achieve independence. We do this not only by delivering government programmes, but also through our own self-funded initiatives, and by campaigning to change attitudes at all levels.
3. Across the
4. Shaw Trust believes tackling the stigma surrounding mental ill health is crucial, which is why we are launching a free website in April to give guidance and advice to managers on how to support employees with mental ill health. To register to be sent a link to this free website when it launches visit www.shaw-trust.org.uk/mentalhealth
