Hackney Half

Fundraisers tackle Hackney Half to end education inequality

The atmosphere for the Hackney Half marathon was electrifying. A field of over 20,000 runners were ready to push their minds and bodies to the finish line. Among them, our dedicated Action Tutoring team – a powerful force of 10 volunteers, staff members, QBE corporate partner employees, and supporters.

Buzzing atmosphere

The energy of thousands of cheering fans at the Hackney Half marathon was contagious. Joining the high spirits to support our fundraisers was our Corporate Partnerships Coordinator, Anisa. 

“There was an incredible buzz not just at the event, but across the whole neighbourhood! It was so inspiring to see the sea of coloured t-shirts for the many charities people were supporting.”
Anisa

Our very own London Senior Programme Coordinator, Amber, echoes the positive vibes of race day.

“This was my first half marathon, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish! The atmosphere on the day was fantastic, with live music, cheering crowds, and plenty of water and sweets to keep me going.”
Amber

Challenging conditions

The relentless sun beat down on the runners throughout the race. However, our QBE fundraiser, Michael, bravely didn’t let the heat stop him from getting his personal best (PB)!

“The weather on race day was a scorcher, which was great for the spectators, but made the running conditions a bit more challenging! I am very happy to have completed the race without stopping in 2:12. Not bad for a first attempt!”
Michael

Highly recommended!

For those seeking personal growth and a rewarding feeling, Michael suggests taking on a similar challenge.

“The event was great fun and very well organised with amazing support throughout the race and music/food/drink all going on at the finish line. I would highly recommend signing up to any future events.

I would also like to thank Action Tutoring for making this happen. I hope the money raised will go some way in helping support your pupils and volunteers!”
Michael

Amber, who has first-hand experience with the transformative power of tutoring, also reflects on this impactful experience.

“It was wonderful to run for a purpose and fundraise for a cause I truly care about. As someone who has tutored in various schools, I’ve seen the positive impact these sessions have on pupils.”
Amber

Fundraising champions

The Hackney Half team raised an incredible £3,197, rising to £3,757 with Gift Aid. This incredible amount could provide 648 high quality workbooks for our volunteer tutors, or could provide a full year of tutoring for 7 pupils.

A special thank you to QBE, of which Action Tutoring is the UK community partner of their Foundation, for matching their employee, Michael’s, donations!

“A huge congratulations to our team who ran in the Hackney Half marathon for our vital cause. We admire your outstanding training and fundraising efforts. We couldn’t achieve a world in which no child’s life chances are limited by their socio-economic background without you. Thank you!”
Hannah O’Neill, Head of Philanthropy

Get involved

Are you inspired to take on a sponsored challenge for Action Tutoring? 

You can support young people who need it most by fundraising for a challenge such as a hike, cycle, walk, or run. Find out more and become a fundraiser below.

Volunteers take on Hackney Half Marathon to raise funds

The six runners raced for 13 miles at Hackney Half to raise over £2700 to support tutoring

The atmosphere at Hackney Marshes, the start and end point for the Hackney Half Marathon, was electrifying. Throngs of supporters had lined up the streets of the 13.1 mile course.

From shaking tambourines and blowing loud whistles to chanting runners’ names, motivation from the hundreds of thousands of cheering crowds was on full display.

A field of 24,000 runners who signed up for the half marathon were ready to push their minds and bodies to the finish line. Among the runners were six volunteers – Sam, Rhea, Tom, Luke, August, and James – taking on the challenge to raise funds in support of Action Tutoring’s mission.

The run started from the Hackney Marshes, through some of East London’s creative and popular spots including Broadway Market, Hackney Empire, Hackney Wick and Victoria Park.

Ramon, a finance administrator at Action Tutoring, was one of supporters cheering the runners on, alongside their family and friends at the finish line.

It had a festival-like atmosphere with music playing, buzzing energy and a great community spirit to encourage runners to push through to the very end.

Ramon

Physical toll

Running for 13.1 miles, an equivalent of 21 kilometres, is no mean feat and presents a massive challenge to the body. It exerts a physical toll that Tom, one of our brilliant volunteer runners, found out quite early-on in the race.

I had sort of shin splints and knee problems throughout the entire race, but I just had to dig deep. I kept it going, one foot in front of the other.

Tom

For Tom, the core takeaway from this challenge is doing something amazing in the name of charity, regardless of time or speed.

It’s about having a good time, but it’s also about finishing the race and being part of the whole event and not pushing yourself too hard.

Tom

Our volunteer runner, Rhea, also found the race painful but the reward was soothing.

It was so painful for a lot of it. But the whole time, it was amazing mentally yet physically terrifying.

Rhea

Staying motivated

To take on a big challenge like this, you need motivation to keep you going from mile to mile, or even at tougher points, step to step.

Our runners said the big motivators for them included the support from friends and family was a big motivator, people who donated to their fundraising pages and fans who cheered them on as they ran.

I saw people that shouted “Action Tutoring”, and that they have a brother and sister who has been tutored by the charity’s volunteers.

James

Eye on the prize

Another big motivation for the six runners through the thick and thin of the half marathon was the cause. Keeping in mind the altruistic reason they had taken on the huge challenge in the first place as the ultimate prize saw them through the race.

All funds raised will help increase access to tutoring for pupils from low-income families across the country. All our runners have previously or currently volunteered on our programmes. Action Tutoring works with volunteers to provide academic support in maths and English to primary and secondary pupils facing disadvantage.

While running, Rhea remained steadfast by thinking of the work and impact of Action Tutoring. 

I’ve signed up for a half marathon before and not followed through with it and then this opportunity came up with Action Tutoring and I just thought that’s an amazing cause to be running for and that I’d love to push myself to be doing something more for them.

Rhea

She urged people wishing to take on a challenge for a cause such as this to definitely go for it, as the pride in personal achievement and charity is worth it.

Definitely do it! Even though I know I just described it as very painful, that is going to be something I can look back on and be really proud of.

Rhea

Planting important seeds

Tom said he felt inspired by his fulfilling tutoring experience and decided to take his support one step further by taking on this challenge.

I’ve been a tutor for over seven months now and I’ve seen the great work that Action Tutoring does. This was just a different avenue that I could the help the charity reach more disadvantaged children and hopefully spread awareness about their work.

Tom

James also shared that the charity’s cause was close to his heart, elaborating why raising awareness for Action Tutoring was important to him.

I know people who have learning challenges or haven’t had the best upbringing or families that don’t necessarily understand the importance of education. I know the value of tutoring. For people to give up their time to help young people, they’re planting seeds – important seeds.

James

Fundraising success

Our runners not only worked hard at the race, but with their fundraising efforts. A staggering total of £2705 was raised collectively, smashing the original group target of £1800, or £300 per runner.

The raised amount translates into purchasing over 450 workbooks for face-to-face tutoring or 108 headphones for online delivery.

We are so proud of our runners for taking on this incredible physical feat whilst fundraising for Action Tutoring. Thank you to all the runners and all those who donated and supported each runner’s fundraiser. We can’t do our vital work without your support and advocacy.

Hannah O’Neill, Head of Philanthropy at Action Tutoring

With the raised funds and visibility from the Hackney Half Marathon, Action Tutoring will continue to work tirelessly to inspire disadvantaged young people and help them unlock their academic potential.