Katy’s ‘marathon’ effort for Nunhead Salvation Army

A Salvation Army church leader is taking on the London Marathon for the first time to raise funds for the work at her church which includes providing food support to people struggling with the cost of living. 

Katy Shubotham, who is based at Nunhead Salvation Army in London, took up running only a few years ago after becoming seriously ill with acute pancreatitis following the birth of her son. She is running to raise funds for the foodbank at Nunhead Salvation Army that supports many local people and to provide activities for children and young people.  

After her son was born three years ago, Katy, who also has a five-year-old daughter, was in and out of hospital for four months. 

She said: “There were periods when I was so ill, I just wasn’t aware of what was happening. I could have died and it was a real wake up call for me, I had to get healthy and fit for my children, so I started making changes to my life. I started with Couch to 5k and now I’m getting ready for a marathon.

“I run to prove to myself that my body isn't broken and to have a break from the world. I run to make my children proud and to show people that if I can do it anyone can.”

Nunhead Salvation Army’s foodbank is the only one in the area and opens every second Wednesday from 11am – 1pm. Items people receive include pasta, cereal, tinned meat and fish, tea, coffee and pet food. The church has seen a rise in the need for foodbank support since Christmas and is currently providing approximately 35 people with food bags. Nunhead Salvation Army has also seen an increase in people needing emergency food support.  

Katy said: “We don’t just hand people a food bag when they come in and say goodbye as we never want anyone to feel like they’re just a number. We want everyone to feel welcome and not to be embarrassed about asking for help. We encourage people to sit and have a hot drink and a chat with us to see if we can support them further. There are also free porridge or pasta pots available to everyone who comes in.  

“I want to expand the type of support we offer people at the foodbank and that’s where my marathon fundraising will really help. Every penny I raise will help make a difference. We already work with a couple of local organisations, including one that offers free health checks, and I’m keen to build on this kind of support.

“I’m also raising money for our children and young people who attend our church. I want them to be able have opportunities and choices that they may not get otherwise. The young people will have the opportunity to choose how the money I raise is spent and I am excited for them to be able to shape the activities they do.”

Many of the people who are connected to Nunhead Salvation Army have thrown their support behind Katy’s fundraising efforts which so far have included an afternoon tea, a ‘guess the number of sweets in a jar’ and the children at the church also held a bake sale. Katy has also given up her weekly coffee and cake as she trains for the marathon! 

Katy added: “I used to pretend to sprain my ankle at school, so I didn’t have to run. A few years ago, I avoided stairs because I was so unfit and now, I think I am in the best shape of my life. I am strong and healthy - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.”  

Nunhead Salvation Army has a bright and welcoming charity shop and café that also act as a safe and inclusive space for people to come into. Free activities for families also take place during school holidays. To learn more about the work of Nunhead Salvation Army visit: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/nunhead 

To support Katy’s fundraising visit her JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/katy-shubotham-1