Six London Marathon runners raise £12,000 for 3Food4U

Joe Bristow, Tom Coles, Daniel Coates, Daniel St Philip, Yasin Patel and the founder of 3Food4U Pesh Kapasiawala were among the thousands of people who took part in the London Marathon.

The money will be used to provide further vital support for families during these challenging times as furlough ends, fuel prices rise and the Universal Credit top up stops.

After crossing the finishing line, the runners explained why they ran for the charity.

Tom Coles during the race

Tom said: “I first heard about 3Food4U and the great work they do from my wife. It’s a superb concept that gives food fast and easily to people who need it, whilst at the same time minimising food waste. It’s such a simple idea that 3Food4U execute brilliantly.”

Yasin said: “At a time when there is a worldwide pandemic, when people are either working from home, furloughed or laid off, it is then you see how amazing the work that the charity 3Food4U is doing. They provide to those in most need: families, children, babies, the elderly, sick and adults on the breadline and more. 3Food4U try to ensure that no-one will starve and that everyone has food on their plate.

Yasin Patel at the start of the marathon

“As a lawyer who works in sports law and criminal law, I see the effects of poverty and hardship upon families and what people will do to try and have food on their plate.

“As national campaigns have shown, there are many families who cannot afford to have healthy and nutritious meals due to the circumstances in which they live. It is a pleasure, an honour to be running the marathon for 3Food4U as their work is essential, necessary, and respected by all that work with them. So please donate generously to such a good cause.”

Joe said: “I’ve loved every single minute of it from the training to the finish line and it was worth every single bit of hard work to all go to such an amazing charity. I’m so glad I could be a part of it so thank you for allowing me to experience something so amazing truly grateful.”

Daniel St Philip on The Mall

Daniel St Philip said: “3Food4U provides free groceries and household essentials to anyone who is brave enough to ask for support. I’m proud to represent a community service that treats people with the dignity and respect they deserve. Thank you very much for allowing me to run it. It was an absolutely amazing day, nearly 40, dad of two running the big one in my hometown.”

This was the 12th consecutive London Marathon Pesh has completed and he explained: “I really enjoyed the atmosphere today. No time pressure, happy to just complete it without much training.

“Huge thanks to you all for supporting and donating to 3Food4U. It's been a whirlwind 18 months, and I'm so grateful to be able to stretch my legs again.”

Daniel Coates added: “During the Covid-19 pandemic a good friend of mine started volunteering for a local charity called 3Food4U, she was overwhelmed by the impact this service had on the local community.

Daniel Coates and Joe Bristow are all smiles at the finishing line

“It was a great day and experience running the London Marathon, something I never thought I would get the opportunity to do.”

3Food4U’s community surplus hubs are open as follows:

• Monday: Waltham Abbbey – 13, Sun Street - 11.30am to 1pm
• Tuesday: Loughton – Loughton Club, 8, Station Road - 11.30am to 1pm
• Wednesday: Chigwell Row – All Saints Church Hall, Romford Road - 5pm to 6.30pm
• Thursday: Ongar – Zinc Arts Centre, High Street - 1pm to 2.30pm
• Friday: Waltham Abbey – 13, Sun Street - 11.30am to 1pm

The Rotary Club of Loughton, Buckhurst Hill and Chigwell is continuing to meet on Zoom on Thursdays at 7pm.

If you would like to attend, contact Pesh on 020 8500 2527 / 07973 166940 or email pesh@londonresidential.co.uk