Lauren Harvey is a 23-year-old student at the University of Winchester who did her work placement with Treloar’s Fundraising Team last year; when the placement came to an end, Lauren was offered a part time role with the Events Team, and helps out with our events. In addition to her role in the Events Team, Lauren has taken on a new challenge. She has chosen to raise funds for Treloar School and College by signing up to run in the London Marathon this April! Lauren said:
"For one of my university modules, I completed a 30-day placement at Treloar’s over summer 2023. After completing the placement, I was offered a part time job as an Events Assistant. I was so happy to be offered this role as I had thoroughly enjoyed my time at Treloar’s during my placement and didn’t want to leave. I am currently working part time alongside my final year of university at Treloar’s. My role involves me supporting the Events and Community Manager and Events Team with upcoming fundraising events to help raise money for the students at Treloar’s."
Inspiration behind marathon training
Volunteering at the city’s half-marathon inspired Lauren to take up long-distance running and now she is in training for the London Marathon. In 2021 Lauren, who studies Event Management, helped at the race end zone, handing out medals to tired competitors as they crossed the finish line. “Watching the runners finish and seeing how happy they looked I thought: ‘Maybe I could do that.’” said Lauren. The next year Lauren ran the Winchester Half-Marathon, completing the 13.1 miles in a respectable 2 hours 14 minutes.
Fundraising for Treloar’s
In April, she will step up to the start line in the capital hoping to complete the 26-mile course in around 4 hours and raise funds for Treloar School and College. Each year, Treloar’s has charity spaces in the London Marathon and Lauren signed up to run for us. “Last year, I started working at Treloar’s and after seeing the excellent work they do for their students I thought it would be a great idea to sign up for the Treloar Trust London Marathon Team!” said Lauren.
Amy Bennett, Events and Community Manager at Treloar’s, said:
"Lauren has been a great addition to our team, not only is she incredibly hard working, but she has also chosen to take on her own fundraising challenge for Treloar’s, which we are so grateful for! Taking part in the London Marathon is a challenging but incredible experience and we cannot wait to see Lauren on route to cheer her on along the way!"
Lauren’s been training since 1 January in the roads around her home near Reading. The 23-year-old has never run further than the half-marathon distance and is using the London marathon’s online training guide to prepare for the 26.2-mile challenge. You can sponsor Lauren by visiting her fundraising page at https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/lauren-harvey
Treloar’s challenge and active events
Our amazing fundraisers make a real difference to the lives of the young people here at Treloar’s. If active events are your thing, you can help in many ways: run a marathon, climb a mountain or join us for our annual golf day, the possibilities are endless! Check out our Events page to find out more.