My Story

I have been given the most amazing opportunity to run one of the most sort after marathons through an amazing charity supporting local people to relieve financial hardship.

I have grown up locally and it is an honour to be able to support this charity through raising funds to support local people and families to not feel alone through hard times

Selby Hands of Hope (SHOH) is a grassroots charity, run by local people for local people. It was founded in 2009 by Wendy Singh, after her own life was turned upside down by illness in 2007. While in hospital, and in the months after, Wendy saw first-hand the need for instant help in the local area. People didn’t have time to wait for national charities to process applications — they needed support straight away.

Wendy had already spent years organising annual fundraisers for big national charities, and she deeply respected the vital role they play. But she also knew Selby needed something local, fast, and flexible. That’s why she created Selby Hands of Hope: to offer immediate, practical help to families, groups, and individuals when they need it most.
 Wendy sadly passed away in 2016 but today, that vision lives on much of SHOH’s work comes via referrals from schools, social services and other agencies, often involving sensitive and private matters. Sometimes the help is as small as providing a bed, a cooker, or warm clothing from the shop. Other times it’s a grant of money or targeted support for families in crisis. And sometimes, it’s simply a kind word of advice and pointing people in the right direction — making sure no one feels they have to struggle alone.