Louise Wolsey, Chief Transformation Officer at the college braved the rain to undertake this year’s virtual London Marathon. With the support of several local businesses – including digital firm VLE Support, Peter Marsh Consulting and architects Patel Taylor – as well as from family, friends and colleagues, Louise successfully raised £3,200.
The supporting employers work closely with London South East Colleges on corporate and strategic projects. Their contribution to Louise’s fundraising effort reflects the College’s drive to mobilise employer partners to support the wider community.
As a second time Marathon runner, Louise spent weeks training for the London Marathon earlier this year before the race was postponed to October, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The event went ahead on 4 October, but instead of the usual crowd-filled spectacular event, participants had to run their own 26.2miles, which was registered on a special app.
Relieved to have completed that challenging run, Louise, who lives in Bromley, says: “The weather was brutal and it was far harder running an individual marathon, without the support and atmosphere of a large crowd spurring you on. However, I completed it and am delighted to have raised so much money for such a fantastic local charity.
“I couldn’t have done this without some amazing sponsorship some of our employer partners, for which I’m hugely grateful. Our college is focused on operating as a social enterprise and this is a great example of how we are committed to working with local businesses to extend support into the wider community.”
Chief Executive of The Maypole Project, Sally Flatteau Taylor, says: "It is simply amazing how many people have taken the time and energy - particularly in such a challenging period - to raise such vital funds for The Maypole Project. The need for support of families with a life-threatened child became more acute when the UK went into lockdown - and it hasn't stopped. For the families we support the crisis continues. For the majority isolation carries on as they continue to shield from the virus.
“We are incredibly grateful to Louise for taking part in this year's virtual London Marathon, raising a fantastic £3,000 for The Maypole Project. Her dedication to training and fundraising during this pandemic has been incredible. We would like to say a tremendous thank you to Louise and all her sponsors for their support. Thanks to them we can continue to provide vital support to families in need, during this challenging time."
Mark Trinick, CEO of VLE Support and one of Louise’s main sponsors added: “I am delighted that Louise was finally able to go ahead and complete the run. We are all impressed – but not surprised – by her dedication to training in perhaps the toughest of years."
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