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In Exeter? Fancy Getting Your Running Shoes On?

Are you in or near Exeter?
Fancy getting your running shoes to get ready for The Great West Run?

How about doing it to help someone like Hayden?

Hayden found himself rough sleeping at age 21. ‘Life before the YMCA was horrible, dark, miserable – living in a cold box or even in a tent by the river.’ Hayden has recently moved into Exeter YMCA where he’s found security and support. ‘Since I’ve been in the YMCA, my life’s got better, I’ve achieved more than I’ve ever done in my life.’ Hayden has just started a training course which will give him the qualifications he needs to fulfil his dream of becoming a gym instructor.

This year Exeter YMCA will be entering a team into the Great West Run with the goal to raise £5,000. This will ensure that another homeless young person like Hayden will get a full year’s support at Exeter YMCA.

Fancy it?

If you go for it, you’ll also receive the benefit of a discounted entry, a free personalised T-Shirt, refreshments on the day, a team cheering squad and the chance of winning some fantastic prizes.

Interested?

Check out the Exeter YMCA website for further details, and to sign up.

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Hope. Losing it, and Finding it again.

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Peter Stephenson from Exeter YMCA, has had a look at the power of finding hope:

Mari-Carmen appeared one night and ate some food with us whilst we chatted. Despite the filthy state of her clothes and face, and her unkempt and unwashed hair, it was clear she had once been a beautiful young woman before heroin had taken over her life. I remember Mari-Carmen so well because of a conversation we had one night that haunted me for weeks after.

A couple of us were encouraging her to seek help, but she refused to even consider it. Not now, not tomorrow, not next year, not ever. Absolutely not. Not aggressive at all, but clearly decided. Why? Slowly and thoughtfully she said, “Porque he perdido la esperanza. He estado en todos los centros y sigo igual. Esto será mi vida hastaque me muera” “Because I have lost hope. I’ve been to all the different [rehab] centres, and still I’m just the same. This is my life until I die”.

Have a few minutes to spare? Read a little more over atPeters Blog.

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