Bamford man raising funds for RADAR this weekend with 26-mile run

Derek White's virtual London Marathon has so far raised £255 at the time of publication

Bamford resident Derek White will be pounding the streets of Rochdale on Sunday (4 October) as he takes part in this year’s virtual 42k London Marathon.

By running the marathon, which is the equivalent to 26 miles, Derek is hoping to raise £500 for Rochdale Action with Destitute Asylum Seekers and Refugees (RADAR), of which he is the treasurer.

RADAR was set up in May 2019 by the now retired Reverend Mark Coleman, who remains the president, and members of various church communities in Rochdale.

The organisation is currently housing three people at a monthly cost of around £500.

Derek said: “Rochdale has one of the highest proportions of asylum seekers of any borough in the UK. Some of them find themselves destitute because their asylum claims have not been accepted. I am part of a group of concerned people who set up RADAR last year to house these destitute asylum seekers.

“Myself and my wife were keen to get involved as we have supported British Red Cross for many years.”

An avid runner for as long as he can remember, having previously taken part in numerous races and Manchester marathons, Derek will begin his marathon on Sunday from Owd Betts.

He continued: “I prepared myself by doing lots of running during lockdown; I really enjoyed it as the streets and roads were so quiet.

“I tried to find a flat route for this 42k run, but a flat route in Rochdale is virtually impossible. So, I have decided to start from Owd Betts at 8am and will run downhill into Norden and then onto Bamford, where I will finish the run with four 5-mile laps, using my house as a short break spot for every lap.

“I have completed this distance before, but I think it will be quite challenging. I am very grateful for the support from people who have donated so far and for the people who will be running along some of the way with me, offering encouragement and motivation.”

To sponsor Derek and help with his cause, there are three ways you can donate:

• Via the JustGiving page set up for this event: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/radar-42k
• Direct payment to: Unity Trust Bank
  Account name RADAR
  Sort code 60-83-01
  Account Number 20413114
• Cheque payable to RADAR - Send to RADAR, c/o Kirkholt Community Church, Daventry Road, Rochdale, OL11 2LW.