University staff running for good causes

University colleagues will be among the thousands of runners taking on the Reading Half Marathon on 14 April.

A section of the route is on our Whiteknights campus, and it would be a great spot to cheer on your colleagues. Just remember that there will be a number of road and car park closures on and around campus.

Here is a roundup of just a few of colleagues who have entered – and the good causes they’re hoping to raise much needed funds for.

Martin Batt, Head of Retail and Hospitality

I, along with three friends, will be raising money for Versus Arthritis, a charity that works to improve the lives of people with arthritis. They fund research, provide information and advice, and campaign for better care and services, and offer support network for people with arthritis and their families and supporters.

My friend’s little girl has Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, meaning that she has to deal with the challenges of arthritis every day, at a young age.

Her Mum is doing the London Marathon to raise awareness of the condition and the Mums, Dads and caregivers who are supporting young children with arthritis, so we thought we’d support by doing the Reading Half.

You can donate to Versus Arthritis and find out more about why he is running at Martin's Just Giving page.

Prem Gurung, Halls Patroller

I’m thrilled to be participating in the Reading Half Marathon for the fourth time, this year running for Cancer Research UK. The cause is close to my heart due to the loss of family members to cancer, and I am determined to make difference.

In my previous marathons, I have run for various charities, showcasing my commitment to making a positive impact. This year, my fundraising efforts are dedicated to raising money for cancer research. I believe that, with your support, we can significantly contribute to advancing cancer research.

The challenges of running a marathon are minor compared to the challenges faced by those affected by cancer. I am dedicated to overcoming these challenges for this important cause. Your support means the world to me, and together, we can contribute to finding a cure. I invite you to join me on this journey, whether through donations or cheering on race day. Let’s make every step count in the fight against cancer.

Your contribution will make a meaningful impact. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me.

Donate to Prem's Just Giving Page

Anthony Keeble, Senior Admissions Manager 

My running journey started when a few of us in the office ran a 5K race in honour of Katie Henderson, one of our team who tragically died in a car accident. 

The extent of my training at the time was jogging between Miller and Whiteknights House, and I thought runners were bonkers! But I made it and who knew that decision would lead to me frequently putting on some running shorts and seeing what I was capable of.

That was nearly 9 years ago and now having turned 50 this year, I decided to challenge myself by running the Reading Half (the farthest I have ever tried to run in my life) and raise some money for a cause that is close to my heart. That cause is the Motor Neurone Disease Association, in honour of my partner’s mum Sandra. 

Totally out of the blue Sandra was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) and in an incredibly short time wasn’t with us anymore. MND is devastating for the individual and changes the lives of people around them forever.

I don’t have any expectation for people to donate, especially in the current climate. Just come along and cheer us all along on the day. If you think you can give something, anything would be fantastic for this really worthy cause.

Find out more and donate at Anthony's Just Giving page.

Carly Roalf, People Development Manager

I’m running this year for the first time for Mind in Berkshire. 

I am a seasoned runner, starting Couch to 5K in lockdown and am now running regular half marathons (with no plans to ever run a full marathon!). In February this year, I ran the Barcelona Half and that has to be my favourite race so far.

Training wise, I am looking to improve my time and working towards a sub 2 hour half. I run 5 times a week and to keep it interesting I split those runs between a couple of solo runs listening to podcasts, training runs with my amazing club Reading Joggers, and Parkrun on Saturdays.

My latest training block was held back a week due to catching a bit of a bug, but I’m back fighting fit and getting ready for the big day.

You can donate to Mind in Berkshire at Carly's Just Giving page. 

Phil Smyth, Deputy Director Academic English Assessment

Phil is running the Manchester Marathon on 14 April, the same day as the Reading Half Marathon.

I’ve been training six days a week, getting up at 5:45 to train before the kids are up and I take them to school. I’ve been running around 45-50 miles a week and have built that up to around 55 miles in these peak training weeks.

I’m running for the Alzheimer’s Society as my mum is one of around 900,000 people with dementia in the UK. It is the UK’s biggest killer. The Alzheimer's Society invest in dementia research in areas such as treatment, diagnosis, innovation and care.  

You can donate to the Alzheimer Society at Phil's Just Giving page.

Good luck to everyone from the University taking part.