Community worker to run 26 miles for Moulsecoomb's youths (From The Argus)

Community worker to run 26 miles for Moulsecoomb's youths

10:29pm Sunday 20th March 2011 in Community By Dave Comeau

A youth worker will be “running like a mad woman” in the Brighton Marathon on April 10th hoping to raise £500 for a community centre in Moulsecoomb, following cuts in government funding.

Niki Eldridge, manager of Safe And Sorted, has challenged herself to complete the 26-mile race to help fund the centre's projects.

Safe And Sorted is a support service for 10-25-year-olds, giving advice and guidance on issues including drugs, sexual health and employment.

Niki said: “Services like Safe And Sorted always require on-going funding, and given the financial difficulties faced by our government, we will all feel the impact of the cuts and we will have to continue to be as creative as possible to raise funds.”

Having raised money for Cancer Research and Sussex Central YMCA in previous charity runs, Niki admits this will be her biggest challenge yet as the farthest she ran in those previous races was 10km. Training is going well though and she has worked her way up to running 19 miles.

Asked if she would be running in fancy dress, Niki replied: “Yes. I will be dressed up as a sweaty, red-faced, tired, old marathon runner!”

Based at the 67 Centre in Moulsecoomb, Safe And Sorted’s staff play an important role in helping young people make positive changes in their lives to give themselves a brighter future.

In the past year they have supported 650 young people, including preventing 51 from becoming homeless, helping 46 young women get onto long-term revisable contraception and helping 17 youngsters stop using drugs.

Niki said: “It is really important that this project continues to deliver services in the community. The staff at Safe And Sorted have really honest and meaningful relationships with the local young people and we can really challenge them to make the right decision in their lives.”

Money raised through the marathon will help pay for equipment and services such as contraception and phones and internet for young people to use to find jobs.

Money will also go towards the cost of escorting people with disabilities to appointments and providing intensive support to those with learning difficulties.

If you would like to donate some money to help Niki reach her target, go to http://www.justgiving.com/Niki-Eldridge or call 01273 222550.