Cleethorpes architect running London Marathon for charity refuge he designed
A CLEETHORPES architect who designed a refuge for domestic abuse victims will run the London Marathon for the same women's charity.
Mark Hodson of Hodson Architects is taking part in the 26-mile race to raise funds for North East Lincolnshire Women's Aid.
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READY, STEADY GO: Charity’s refuge manager, Denise Farman, architect, Mark Hodson and senior support worker, Deana Young.
His Yarra Road firm designed the charity's refuge which helps local women and children escape abusive relationships.
Mr Hodson said: "We worked with the refuge and its residents a few years ago when the new facility was built and during that time we built a really fundamental connection with the staff and the people they help.
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"It is a cause we feel is very worthwhile and I wanted to help them again."
There are currently 15 women and 32 children in the refuge along with 60 people – including men – getting outreach help.
Mark wants to raise £1,000 to fund children's activities.
Centre manager and old school friend, Denise Farman, said: "We get the same amount of funding from the government for one woman as we do a woman and her children. We have to fundraise hard to support these children, who have been through horrific ordeals and are feeling angry and scared.
"They have lots of questions – why did their dad do this? Why didn't mum leave sooner?
"Fundraising means we are able to support these children who come here because they have nowhere else to go. What Mark is doing is amazing."
It will be the second time Mr Hodson has run the marathon and his sixth overall.
Last year he completed it despite being struck down by a virus.
This year he hopes to beat his personal best of three hours 28 minutes.
He said: "I am heavily into a strict training schedule, doing 40 to 50 miles a week, including 18 miles over the weekend. I ache, it hurts like hell and is basically making my life a misery but I keep telling myself it will all be worth it.
"We got to know the people of the refuge incredibly well. The staff there are so dedicated to the people they help. When I think about what they have been through, it spurs me on."
Are you running the marathon? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk or call 01472 372236.
Comments
by Wisegal
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 9:06AM
“Well done Mark, your efforts are very much appreciated for this valuable charity and the people they support. Could the telegraph give us details of where to donate or sponsor this worthwhile cause?”