Feature I London Marathon

Meet Team Sally Army

Community and Events Fundraising Manager Angela Carlucci (THQ) introduces some members of Team Sally Army who are taking part in the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon

RUNNING a marathon is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences many of us will ever have. Some of the Team Sally Army runners share their incredibly inspiring stories…

Tony Thornton Homelessness Services Unit Regional Manager (Leeds Service Centre) IN 2017 Tony faced his biggest personal challenge yet when he lost his wife, Ann-Marie, to cancer. In a bid to channel his grief and to exemplify the positivity Ann-Marie had herself shown, Tony took up rock climbing and signed himself up to his first marathon to raise funds for The Salvation Army’s work with victims of modern slavery.

Amara Wright AT 21 years of age, Amara is one of the youngest runners. To celebrate the life of her grandparents she signed up to the London Marathon. ‘If the Community and Events Fundraising Unit weren’t supporting me, then I wouldn’t be able to do it,’ says Amara. ‘Grandma and Grandad would’ve been so proud. I’m running for an amazing charity – The Salvation Army does so much for everybody. No one is excluded; they help everybody.’

Rob Donovan THIS is the second time that Rob has dedicated training and fundraising for Team Sally Army in the London Marathon. In 2017 he raised £3,000 for Gloucester House. Growing up reading the War Cry, Rob has always respected the work of The Salvation Army. ‘They are always there when people are in need,’ he says. ‘I’m running to support victims of modern slavery.’

Major Bramwell Cassidy ORIGINALLY from Australia, Bram has been learning about the modern slavery services of The Salvation Army in the UK. ‘This terrible problem has always existed and now is far more sophisticated and intertwined with everyday life than ever before,’ he says. ‘I am privileged to help break down the myth that slavery doesn’t exist any more, and to contribute to the work of helping those impacted. I look forward to speaking more about the issues and raising awareness as well as funds.’

Deb Juster Assistant Director of Family Ministries (THQ) AFTER a trip to Tanzania where she explored the Zanzibar slave market, Deb was confronted with the knowledge that the problem of slavery is not a distant one and that people can be coerced into slavery here in the UK.

‘I learnt the incredible fact that now, in the 21st century, there are more victims of slavery worldwide than there have ever been. That fact became a reality when I visited The Salvation Army’s project for female victims just outside Dar es Salaam.’

Although Deb has never run a marathon before, she knows that any fear or pain she might experience is nothing compared with that of the victims and survivors she will help.

Why not run with Team Sally Army in 2020! Next year’s event will support our work with people experiencing homelessness, or you can choose to raise funds for your corps.

The ballot for the 2020 London Marathon is only open during the first week of May. Team Sally Army also has a limited number of charity places you can apply for. Find out how you can get involved in this race of a lifetime by visiting www.salvationarmy.org.uk/virgin-money-londonmarathon