First-time marathon runner wants to help charity that offers shelter for world’s disaster victims

A 26-year-old tech sales agent from Putney is lacing up his running shoes for 26.2 miles to raise funds and awareness for the international disaster relief charity, ShelterBox.

Dan Page is taking on the Brighton marathon in April when he’ll be raising crucial funds for people around the world who have been left without shelter after disaster and conflict.

Dan said: “I promised myself I’d tackle a physical challenge this year, and when my mum told me ShelterBox had marathon places, I figured I’d go for it.

“My mum, Debbie, has been a supporter and volunteer for ShelterBox for several years and has been part of many fundraising events in her local area. She is my inspiration for doing this. I decided it was my turn to play my part for a charity close to my heart.

“My training started back in December and it’s the first time I’ve properly given running a go. Having never run before, I haven’t really given myself much time to train for a full marathon in only four months, but it’s going well.”

Dan added: “Doing it for ShelterBox, knowing my fundraising will make a difference to people in terrible situations, gives me all the motivation I need.

“The work ShelterBox does around the world is incredibly important and it’s the practical approach to humanitarian support and the tangibility of the aid that makes it a standout charity.

“If I hit my £600 target, this could help to provide a tent for a family (£425), a shelter tool kit for a community (£130) and a water filter to provide clean drinking water in disasters where water is scarce or contaminated (£60).

ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and aid items like cooking sets, solar lights, and water filters to people who have been uprooted from their homes and left with very little due to conflict or disaster.

The charity has 12 active responses, including a response in Gaza to support some of the 1.9 million people uprooted from their homes.

ShelterBox is working with partner organisations to provide tents and other essential items, like tarpaulins and rope, to thousands of people in Gaza. It is also supporting people affected by disaster in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Yemen, Pakistan, Malawi, and Chad.

Anyone wishing to follow Dan’s training progress or donate to his marathon fundraiser can do so via his JustGiving page. 

Pictured top: Dan starts undertaking his training programme (Picture: ShelterBox)