Wolverhampton's Mary going the distance for sanctuary

Mary Solomon from Wolverhampton has taken on the challenge of running 874 miles, the distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats, to help support City of Sanctuary Wolverhampton, where she works as a volunteer.

The sanctuary seeks to help and support asylum seekers and refugees who have come to Wolverhampton through services and activities which help them integrate into the community.

The 65-year-old from Newbridge has taken on the challenge of running the distance to raise funds to help increase technology and Wifi connectivity to allow more people to take part in activities.

She said: “I do a bit of running and I thought it would be a great opportunity to keep running to help City of Sanctuary and help to keep people connected.

“I’ve never going to be able to do Land’s End to John O’Groats in real life, so this is the next best thing for me and, through a map in my dining room, I can monitor where I am.”

Motivation

Since starting her challenge on July 13, Mary has covered more than 140 miles through runs along the canal and old railway line in between Tettenhall and Compton and regular laps of West Park.

Mary has also set a target of £874 to raise for City of Sanctuary, with £565 raised so far, and she said the effort was worth it to help people who come to the sanctuary.

She said: “The greater good is all the motivation I need for when the weather turns dark and cold because I can focus my mind on helping people who have suffered so much.

"There but for the grace of God go any of us when you consider these are ordinary people who have been through such traumatic times, so I will do what I can to help them.”

To find out more about Mary’s challenge go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mary-solomon-1?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20200828_