I took part in a 10k for Social Bite… and I would definitely do it again!

Abbi’s inspirational grandma and her passion for social causes led to her taking on the challenge of her first 10k. Here, she tells Social Bite why it’s important for younger people to be socially conscious and shares her experience of running on the day.

 

What inspired you to do a charity run?

The death of my grandma was really a key factor which pushed me to want to give back to the community.

She was such a kind, loving woman, with such a big heart, hundreds of people knew her and were positively impacted by her kindness. I wanted to really do something to make her proud, and to give back to my local community in ways like she did to hers.

 

Why did you decide to run for Social Bite?

I chose to support Social Bite because I wanted to support a local charity, whose impact was stark and directly channeled into the local community, such as in Glasgow where I live. This local impact is something I thought was missing in some of the larger charities out there.

Social Bite was the perfect choice, and covered so many different facets of tackling homelessness and supported those who are experiencing it. From supporting employment to housing, it seemed an obvious choice.

 

 

Should social causes matter to younger people?

I graduated from university over the summer, just before I took on the 10k, so I was juggling getting training runs in, studying for my final exams, and raising funds for Social Bite.

Whilst it was a hectic time, I think it’s important for younger people like myself to be aware of and to support social causes. We can apply an element of pressure and spread the word about issues close to our hearts and in our communities, like homelessness.

I believe it’s important for people of all ages to be aware of the issues facing our local communities and make sure that we all, young or old, don’t live in a bubble unaware of the serious issues that are impacting people who are vulnerable.

I know that younger people are even more inclined to get involved in social issues and taking social action, so I would recommend everyone take an interest in a cause that is close to your heart like Social Bite is for me.

 

What was it like on the day?

Taking part in my first 10K was an exhilarating experience!

It was quite surreal to be running alongside hundreds of passionate people, each running for their individual causes. It truly made you feel like you were part of something greater, and it is definitely something I would do again – there was honestly so much love in the air between all of us!

The Social Bite team has been incredibly supportive. I even saw a group of friendly faces with a Social Bite flag that I had never met before, shouting my name and cheering me on on race day. It was really incredible and a highlight of the run.

 

Do you have a message for other people considering fundraising?

I can’t recommend enough taking part in an event with Social Bite – Social Bite is a community and truly cares about every individual, from the people they support through their amazing work, to their supporters like me, someone who wanted to set themselves a challenge and raise some funds for the charity.

I’m already looking forward to whatever my next event will be to support Social Bite!

 

 

Inspired by Abbi to take on your own challenge?

Social Bite has places in events right across the UK, including Kiltwalks, 5ks and 10ks, and marathons. You could also do longer challenges in your own time, like our 100 Mile Challenge.

Let us know that you’re interested in an event and we’ll be in touch with the options in your area and how you can get involved.