Post Virtual London Marathon Interview with Neil Foster, SHAPE, and Support Team
October 7, 2020
Your chance to listen again to a packed studio of guests on the Wednesday Breakfast Show of 7th October 2020.
This segment of the Show was to review the Virtual London Marathon run by Neil Foster across the very variable terrain of St Helena in support of the UK based Aerobility charity, which has similar social objectives to SHAPE on St Helena.
Tammy Williams was joined by Neil Foster, David John, Gwyneth Howell, David O’Connor, Craig Williams, Lollie Young & Mercia.
To find out more about Neils Run and how to donate visit the article on the St Helena Online Website
To meet his 26.2 mile goal – the distance of the marathon, Neil ran across the Island, touching three of its four sides. Neil started his run from the popular Post Box Walk starting point at the South West of the Island before heading along Frenches Gut passing Cason’s Forest towards the Sandy Bay Ridges, up to the summit of Diana’s Peak (820m above sea level) continuing on towards Hutt’s Gate, then onto Longwood Road and Avenue passing the famous Napoleon’s Bonaparte’s house before arriving at St Helena Airport.
Neil included a run around the St Helena Airport runway before completing the final leg of the marathon on the recently built Airport ‘haul road’ and then on to the finish line in Rupert’s Valley. Neil was able to upload live data tracking for most of his run.
St Helena’s Active Participation in Enterprise or SHAPE as they are more commonly known on St Helena, were the main supporting body for Neil’s run on the day. SHAPE is St Helena’s first and only social enterprise charity which was established in 2008. SHAPE plays a crucial role in supporting the Island’s disabled and vulnerable adults who could face social exclusion.
SHAPE provides supportive training opportunities through environmentally friendly projects.
Neil’s epic run has so far raised almost £2000, some of which was in support for the Aerobility charity based in Surrey UK, which has similar social objectives to SHAPE on St Helena. The Aerobility organisation is a disabled flying charity that tackles the isolation that disability can sometimes lead to.
Aerobility’s specially adapted aircraft flies from airfields all around the UK supporting over 600 individuals every year.
The community on St Helena showed great support for Neil on his run waving and cheering him on throughout the Island, as St Helena is not only a special place for community spirit but also a great place for any challenge.
Banner Picture courtesy of Craig Williams
