Government worker Simon Dancer from Bow, East London is hoping that taking part in the London Marathon will inspire his friends to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
The 34-year-old economist, who works for the Government’s Home and Communities Agency, is running his first marathon for UK stop smoking charity QUIT®, and said: “A number of my friends smoke and this will be a good reminder for them to stop.”
Simon has also seen first-hand how smoking can affect people’s lives, as his then girlfriends mother died from smoking related illnesses 2 years ago,
Money raised from the marathon will be used by QUIT to help support its youth service Quit Because.
Quit Because aims to help young people all ages make informed choices about tobacco use through lively and interactive presentations in schools and youth clubs. QUIT Because presentations are lively and interactive, finishing with a fun ‘ingredients’ show, demonstrating some of the 4,000 chemicals found in a cigarette. The Youth Presenters also offer support and advice to young people wanting to give up smoking.
Simon said of the scheme: “I think it is the best use of the money. It is important to educate people early, as prevention is better than cure.”
Simon’s training regime has been going well so far and he is aiming for a time around 4 hours. “I have always wanted to run a marathon and I am getting to the age where I thought I should really do it now,” he said. “I am most looking forward to the experience – I am just going to take it all in. I am also looking forward to the finish line.”
Three other Londoners are also running for QUIT – Nigel Shardlow from Bermondsey and bank colleagues Charlotte Hickey from Wandsworth and Anne Whyte from Balham.
To sponsor Simon, visit his fundraising page at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SimonDancer
QUIT is the UK independent charity that has helped over 2 million smokers. More details about QUIT are available on www.quit.org.uk
To date, presenters for QUIT Because have reached more than 1 million 8-18 year olds. Quit Because desperately need more youth presenters across the UK, and donations will help our vital youth programme to reach even more young people.
