Kelly finds inspiration from own story to run marathon
AN outreach worker is celebrating her four-year anniversary of overcoming a dependency on alcohol by running the London Marathon this weekend.
Kelly Richards, who works for WithYou in Cornwall, is set to take on the ultimate challenge to raise money and awareness to the charity that helps to change lives.
Through her work at WithYou, Kelly has witnessed the impact that drugs and alcohol can have on individuals and their families, and is determined to make a difference.
She has firsthand experience of overcoming her own dependency on alcohol and four year without a drink by taking to the streets of London for the marathon on Sunday.
Kelly, who has been training in and around Penzance, said: ”I am really passionate about raising money so that we can continue to provide the level of support that so many people need.
“I know this because I was there myself. I’ll be celebrating four years without alcohol by doing the London Marathon, knowing that I’m raising money for people to have the hope and connection that’s so important in their recovery journey.
“A donation of £8.40 can help an individual receive support through our online webchat service, while £18 enables us to give out a naloxone kit that can save somebody’s life by reversing the effects of an overdose.”
WithYou in Cornwall provides free, confidential support to individuals and families living across the county. The charity offers outreach services and support for those experiencing issues with drugs or alcohol.
It has offices in Penzance, Camborne, Falmouth, Liskeard, Redruth, St Austell and Truro for anyone over the age of 18 who needs support. It also runs Chy, a residential rehabilitation centre in Truro which provides post-detox treatment and independent living support.
Sue Clark, the charity’s head of service delivery, said: “We are really proud of Kelly. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to prepare for an event like this, and we are all behind her. We are with her every step of the way”.
» For more information and to support Kelly’s fundraising efforts you can visit her fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kelly-richards25