This article explains why SEP supports our security officer Andy in the charity challenge known as the ’13 x 13 challenge’ and how you too can help.
What is the Charity Challenge?
SEP supports our security officer Andy in the 13 x 13 challenge which comprises thirteen gruelling half-marathons run on thirteen days consecutively.
That’s over one hundred and seventy miles covered in under two weeks!
SEP supports our security officer Andy as he hopes to raise funds and awareness for “Children North East”.
When and where is it taking place?
The challenge began on Sunday the 8th of May when Andy & Rico took part in the Official Sunderland half-marathon.
From Monday the 9th the course will include the Roker and Seaburn promenades and the historic village of Cleadon.
They start and finish at the Chester’s Pub on Chester Road, Sunderland.
However, they will be running a different course on Saturday the 14th as they will be including the Silksworth Parkrun.
Why is Security Officer Andy taking part?
Our security officer Andy & his running friend Rico started running solely to improve their mental well-being. As a result, they were out into the fresh air during a period when it was difficult to do so, and consequently, they were able to build up their own physical fitness.
Eventually, over one or two (maybe three) pints, they formed the idea of running thirteen half-marathons.
Rico is very driven when it comes to the welfare of children and the poverty in which a number of them live.
On the other hand, Andy is passionate about issues involving mental health.
As time went by, they realised that the pandemic was making both these issues worse and they wanted to do something about it.
Children North East – A Local North East charity
“Children North East” was the perfect fit for what both Andy & Rico wanted to achieve. They learned from the charity that
- Over 5,000,000 children live in poverty within the UK.
- The North East is moving to the second-highest of any region, after London.
- In some cases, the only meal a child gets is the one provided by their school.
- Hand in hand with that are the 2,500 children, some as young as 10 that were admitted to the hospital due to depression and self-harm.
- There are almost 300 under 19-year-olds admitting to having eating disorders.
How does the charity support the children?
- “Children North East” provides support for families and children who are suffering from the current ever-growing poverty situation.
- Unfortunately, this was at an all-time high even before the pandemic.
- It provides numerous programs which help children cope with everyday difficulties.
- Also it helps them identify and talk about their feelings.
- Importantly, it helps them in building resilience and to cope with emotional challenges like confidence and low self-esteem.
“We are delighted to be using our passion for running to support a local charity which cares about the physical and mental well-being of children in the North East”, said Andy
Ready to go
Two very fit gentlemen – Rico is on the left and Andy is on the right!
Find out more about Children North East.
‘SEP supports security officer in charity challenge’ but why?
SEP is a proud to be a company located in the North East of England and is rooted in our local community.
We are proud too of the fact that we have loyal, skilled security officers who share our commitment to the local commuity and who are also commited to the SEP.
All children should be valued and nurtured. They are our future and the children of the North East are the future of our region.
Therefore, SEP is delighted to be able to support one of our Security Officers as he in turn supports the children of our region to benefit our local community.
Good luck security officer Andy!
See our other community projects:-
You can help too
If you feel that you would also like to help see the links below.
Just Giving Andy and Rico’s 13 x 13 challenge page