Gareth Broom, from Poole, is running the London Marathon in April this year, to raise much-needed funds for Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck.
Funds raised will go towards the running costs of the Advice Bus and towards the general service. Many people are unable to access their existing services due to rural isolation, reduced mobility or poor access to public transport and the Advice Bus brings friendly, experienced advisers directly to rural communities.
Gareth said: “I’m 400 miles into my London Marathon training, with another 400 still to go before race day and every mile is for a charity that quietly transforms lives.”
Gareth recently visited the Advice Bus at one of its weekly locations in Corfe Mullen where it provides confidential, face-to-face help with issues such as debt, energy costs, benefits, housing and cost-of-living pressures.
Over the past year, 1,061 people visited the Advice Bus, and since it launched in 2023 more than 3,000 people have been supported.
Gareth said: “Seeing and hearing about the support offered by this local Charity was humbling. It’s impossible not to feel the impact. The scale of their work is huge including helping over 5,000 people last year with over 28,000 issues. This service comes at a large cost which the Charity funds through donations and grants.”
Paul Gosling, Business Development Manager, Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck, said: “We’re extremely grateful for Gareth running the London Marathon and raising funds for us. We are seeing an ever-increasing demand for our service and with future funding not guaranteed, we really do welcome the support. All donations will go towards helping vulnerable people in our community.”
To find out more including how to donate visit Citizens Advice East Dorset & Purbeck’s website www.edpcitizensadvice.org.uk/fundraising or click on the QR code.
