Grace Goes the Distance for Door 84

York student and volunteer takes on her first marathon to raise funds for Door 84.

When Grace first joined Door 84 as a volunteer during her time at the University of York, she quickly saw just how much of a difference the charity makes to young people and the wider community. What she didn’t expect back then was that she’d one day be running a marathon to support us!

On Sunday 19th October, Grace will take on the Yorkshire Marathon (26 miles) – her very first – raising funds for Door 84.

Grace says “this is a completely new challenge for me, one that’s been testing both physically and mentally. Training has meant long runs in the rain and mud, figuring out how to fuel my body properly, and pushing myself on the days when I’ve least wanted to.”

Grace trains three times a week, mixing long runs, intervals, and slower recovery runs – sometimes with friends joining her, and always with a favourite podcast to help her focus. She’s had to push herself to prepare for the full 26 miles.

Her fundraising goal is to reach – and hopefully surpass – £500. When the race gets tough, Grace knows she’ll find the strength in her supporters: “I know how hard I have worked for this day, and so when things get tough I hope I will remind myself that I can’t give up for myself and all the work I have put in.”

The money Grace raises will go directly towards keeping Door 84’s doors open and making a difference in people’s lives. Every pound can help in so many ways – from enabling young people to attend our youth sessions in a safe, warm space where they can relax and be themselves, to providing resources for our food bank, or funding activities for our adult social groups for people with disabilities. Quite simply, your support helps us continue to reach those who need it most and enhance lives across York.

For Grace, crossing the finish line will be a proud moment. “I will be so proud of how hard I have worked for months, and how I have been able to do this whilst raising money for such an incredible cause.”

We’re so proud of Grace for taking on this challenge, and we’ll be cheering her on every step of the way. You can cheer her on too – and support Door 84 – by donating to her Crowdfunder page:

Thank you for your support.

If you’d like to get involved with our fundraising events further details can be found here.