Having said after completing last year’s London Marathon that he would not do it again, James has had a Steve Redgrave moment and decided to run the race on Sunday 2 October.
James completed the 2021 Virgin London Marathon finishing as the fastest English MP in 3 hours, 36 minutes, and 13 seconds. He raised nearly £6,000 for three North West Norfolk charities: Little Discoverers, West Norfolk Carers, and The Purfleet Trust.
This year James will be raising funds for the Pandora Project, West Norfolk Deaf Association, and West Norfolk Befriending - a further three charities that he has worked with.
To DONATE to the charities please visit:
Pandora Project - helping women & children affected by domestic abuse https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jameswildmpmarathon
West Norfolk Deaf Association https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jameswildmplondonmarathon
West Norfolk Befriending - tackling loneliness https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jameswildmp2022marathon
James said:
“After last year’s race I said I wouldn’t run the marathon again but the opportunity to raise funds to support brilliant local charities was too good to pass up. During training sessions and on race day, the motivation of helping charities supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse, tackling loneliness, and helping deaf and hard of hearing people will drive me on.
The Pandora Project supports women and children affected by domestic abuse in North West Norfolk. James has supported the Pandora Project and their vital work across Norfolk and on #WhiteRibbon Day he signed a pledge on violence against women. A Pandora Project spokesperson said:
“Thank you to James for picking our charity. People think domestic abuse doesn't happen in Norfolk, but our service has never been more in need. So please donate as every penny raised will go towards helping women and children affected by domestic abuse. We wish James the best of luck with the marathon!”
West Norfolk Deaf Association provides wrap-around support for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community of all ages across West Norfolk. They also offer a range of audiology services for clients and alleviate pressure on QEH's Audiology Department.
Anna Pugh, Manager of West Norfolk Deaf Association, said:
“West Norfolk Deaf Association are very grateful for all the support and donations we receive. Without people like James Wild MP, our local charity would be unable to offer the full range of services and support to over 4200 deaf children, young people , adults and elders living in Kings Lynn and West Norfolk ever year. Their generosity has allowed us to fund the first ever Deaf Swimming Club, social CHAT (Conversation Hearing Aids and Tea) Clubs for elders living with hearing loss in the community, a Saturday Club and Holiday programme for Deaf children and their siblings, and a weekly Coffee Morning for people who use BSL as their first language. These services enable deaf people to participate and contribute to the wider community reducing social isolation and loneliness , increasing confidence and communication skills.”
West Norfolk Befriending supports the elderly by providing a befriending service with regular telephone calls and visits to their homes. They also organise lunches for clients giving opportunities for them to socialise.
Pippa May, Manager of West Norfolk Befriending, said:
"West Norfolk Befriending is delighted that James has chosen to support them. It will mean that we can work with more isolated older people in West Norfolk. WNB offers befriending by in-person visits or phone calls, engaging with a part of the community that is often forgotten or overlooked. Covid hit the less mobile frail older people very hard. A team of trained, loyal volunteers undertakes the contacts making a real difference in many lives. West Norfolk Befriending are particularly pleased to be chosen, as this year they are celebrating 20 years of working with isolated older people and their carers in West Norfolk.”
