“I really enjoyed the experience; it ticked a lot of boxes for me; I got to explore a new city, keep fit and motivated, and support NYAS! “
Meet #TeamNYAS fundraiser Paul, who took on the 2024 Amsterdam Half Marathon, raising an incredible £375 for NYAS. This was doubled when he donated it to NYAS through our Big Give Christmas Challenge, turning it into £750!
Paul’s lengthy experience as a foster carer, Side by Side Project Worker, and current role as an Advocate means he has seen firsthand the importance of providing stable and secure role models to care-experienced children, young people and vulnerable adults.
“I first joined NYAS in 2024 as a Side by Side Project Worker. A real success where I felt I made a significant difference was where I formed great relationship with one young man supported by Side by Side. He was homeless when I first met him. I was able to support him and fought on his behalf to get his views heard with his personal advisor and the housing office. I was delighted that I had played a small part in the result which was him being able to access supported accommodation, which was lifechanging for him.”
“I’m now a Salaried Advocate. This is a role which I find truly inspiring. Being able to empower young people by building a good relationship quickly with them for them to share their true wishes and feelings is a privilege. To then use this as a tool to help influence the decisions being made about them in a positive way is rewarding in so many ways for them and for me”.
Committed to changing more young lives, Paul signed up to take on the 2024 Amsterdam Half Marathon with #TeamNYAS.
“It was a really easy process. Once I signed up, I got my NYAS running vest and the fundraising team were helpful and supportive.”
Race day was a super fun atmosphere. The route takes you through the centre of the city towards the outskirts so you get to see and feel the culture and there was so many people out supporting the runners, calling out the name on your bib and cheering.
Paul
The race finished in the Olympic Stadium, which was really special - right as I crossed the finish line I looked up and saw my wife, daughter and her partner in the stands.”
Reflecting on running for NYAS in Amsterdam, Paul shared,
“It’s more than running a race, it’s the chance to challenge yourself, do something fun and have a great experience as well as supporting NYAS. My wife enjoyed it just as much as I did, perhaps because she wasn’t even running!
It’s motivated me to take on more half marathons!”
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Fundraise For Us!
If you'd like to follow in Paul's footsteps and raise money for NYAS. we would love to hear from you. Head to our fundraising page for more information on how you can get involved.
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