Going the extra mile: Zaf’s marathon fundraiser
From mentoring to marathon running Zaf, knows how to go the extra mile. He recently ran the Berlin marathon in aid of Breadwinners, following his experience as a mentor. We asked Zaf what inspired him take on this huge challenge, why he chose to run for Breadwinners and how race day went.
Why run a marathon? I hear you ask
I’d watch the London Marathon on TV when I was little, glued to the screen on a Sunday morning to a rainbow-coloured sea of inspiring runners making their way through a never-ending 26.2 miles.
The thing that always stood out for me was everyone's dedication to run for a special cause. Marathons are some of the biggest fundraising events of the year, challenging people to push themselves across a big distance so they can raise awareness, inspire others and importantly, gather lots of kind donations for their chosen charities.
Why I chose to fundraise for Breadwinners
“It was clear to see that Breadwinners embodied amazing values; empowerment and opportunity, kindness and joy, inclusivity and community.”
I found out about Breadwinners through the On Purpose leadership programme I was on. During one workshop, we were introduced to an inspiring session led by Martin and Yasser from Breadwinners.
Yasser was a recent graduate of the Risers Programme and he blew us away with his enthusiasm, confidence and knowledge of all things Breadwinners. It’s no easy feat to stand in front of 40 people for the first time and he was super inspiring!
As Martin supportingly tag-teamed with Yasser it was clear to see that Breadwinners embodied amazing values; empowerment and opportunity, kindness and joy, inclusivity and community.
My mentoring experience with Breadwinners
In summer 2021, I signed up to become a mentor with Breadwinners. I had previously mentored young people from underrepresented backgrounds to navigate their first steps into the creative industry and was really keen to mentor young people again. The Breadwinners Risers Programme was the perfect opportunity to join the dots and help young people develop invaluable skills and gain work experience.
“As a grassroots charity, you can see first hand the positive impact donations can have to make a real, tangible difference.”
I was paired with the mighty Abdallah, an amazing mentee who grew in confidence each week, whether that was in speaking English, keeping up with a queue of friendly customers without breaking a sweat, or even cycling from London to Brighton with the Breadwinners community!
As a grassroots charity you can see first hand the positive impact donations can have to make a real, tangible difference. Choosing to run 26.2 miles for Breadwinners was a no-brainer.
Ready, set go! Race Day
The atmosphere on the Sunday morning was electric as thousands of smiling crowds lit up the streets with heartfelt signs, fun chants and energising music. It was impossible to not keep smiling with them as I ran around Berlin, surrounded by 45,000 other runners all with a special cause decorated on their t-shirts, and proud to be repping my very own Breadwinners t-shirt to keep me cool.
To top things off, I had some amazing pals travel out with me and lots of friends and family supporting me from back home.
And when things were tough I was spurred on by the thought of all the amazing mentees, the brilliant work the Breadwinners community does and everyone’s incredible generosity.
Thank you to all the friends and family, friends of friends and total strangers who all wanted to show their support - together we smashed the fundraising target and raised over £2,000!
Thank YOU Zaf for running the marathon in aid of Breadwinners and to everyone who generously donated.
All donations are going towards expanding our work in Brighton. This Autumn, we are launching our the Risers Programme there, enabling young people seeking asylum to gain work experience, training and mentoring.
Click here to find out how you can get involved in our work in London or Brighton!