206km run on one Putney street results in £4,420 for Wandsworth Foodbank

On Sunday 10 May the community of Clarendon Drive came together on a blustering day to support over 65 households (206 individuals) who each ran 1km up and down the road in aid of the Wandsworth FoodBank.

The fancy dress memo was taken extremely seriously with a massive range of outfits with families dressed as Sharks, Chefs, French Artists and Football Fans. Overall, in the community relay race, a grand total of 206km was run and an extraordinary £4,420 raised!

In the midst of the Corona Virus where every household have played their part by being in isolation over the past six weeks, it felt like a big sigh of relief as the community came together, albeit 2-meters apart, and exchanged experiences of how they have found the lockdown.


Organisers Becky & Ollie Addison keeping count of the 'runs's

The organisers of the event, Ollie & Becky said:“There was the most incredible energy in the air as people from 4 – 75 years old ran a lap up and down the road and were applauded by their neighbours. We were absolutely delighted at the team spirit as families cheered each other on.”

There was even an elderly gentleman in the ‘high risk’ category who did not want to leave his house but was keen to get involved, so instead walked 3km in his garden.

The message from Dan Frith, the Manager of Wandsworth Foodbank, was: “We are blown away by the fundraising efforts of Ollie and Becky, and the generosity of everyone involved in smashing the fundraising target so spectacularly! This funding will enable us to provide crisis support to many households in Putney and across Wandsworth, as sadly we are seeing a sharp increase in the number of people needing our help. This news is a massive encouragement to the team at the start of this week - thank you Clarendon Drive. We hope you aren't too sore after all the running!”



Some residents dressed up to give support

The aim of the event was to bring the street community together to show solidarity, distract from current news, have some fun and most importantly raise money for those most vulnerable in and amongst the wider community and this was done in an inspiring fashion.

It's not too late to show your support by donating however big or small the amount.

All photos: Clarendon Drive resident and Professional Photographer Broni Lloyd-Edwards

May 14, 2020