Who we are
Lucy Richards
How did you get involved with The Running Charity?
I volunteered with the Charity for two years before coming on full-time – I just love everything this Charity is about! I have an academic background and experience working with families from the travelling community and also children with special educational needs; so when Alex (who is my partner) was setting up The Running Charity I initially helped with the way they set about monitoring and evaluating the impact that was being made. I knew early on that I wanted to get involved in the project and so I volunteered to help write funding bids on my days off.
What does your average day look like?
In a small charity everyone does a little bit of everything (which I think is a real bonus!), but, ultimately, my role is to communicate to runners, fundraisers, businesses, and grant-givers about the values of the Charity, the impact it makes, and the incredible journeys of the young people we work with. This means an average day will probably involve one or more of the following: reporting, emails, video calls, bids, and comms.
What would you say is your proudest achievement since working with us?
In 2018, I helped us to become the only UK charity recognised by the EU Commission for Sport as promoting inclusivity in deprived communities. And I really enjoy helping young people to speak on issues that mean so much to them. One of our young people, Zamzam, was able to share her story in the world’s media, discussing the role of women in sport and their right to participate.
What has been your best moment, personally?
I remember feeling truly humbled when Romario, one of our young people, stood in front of hundreds of runners at the London Relay and read out a poem he’d written. Being a small part of the journey of this shy, wonderful young man was a very special moment to me.
Why do you like working with young people?
There’s something deeply unjust about becoming homeless before you’ve even had a decent shot at life. The young people we work with have experienced some of the most horrendous or unjust life events that any person ever could, yet there’s still this courage and hope for what the future can hold for them. It’s a truly exhilarating experience to be around such inspiring spirit.
Away from The Running Charity, what keeps you busy?
A dog, two children, social activism and the odd game of Dungeons & Dragons.
When did you start running and why?
It was early 2013. I suffered with post-natal depression for a long time after my first daughter, and it was reaching a point where I didn’t want to leave the house as I was having panic attacks in public. Alex would talk about the fantastic effect that running was having on the young people he worked with at the homeless day centre where worked, and he suggested I gave it a go, so I did.
Tell us about your favourite race or run?
The Big Half is my favourite. I’m a big fan of the supportive community that all running events can bring.
