News / South Bristol
Man to take part in gruelling challenge to tackle holiday hunger
A man is to take part in a gruelling challenge to tackle holiday hunger in south Bristol.
Craig O’Brien will run four miles every four hours for 48 hours to raise £1,000 to fund 120 places on a holiday activity programme.
The Break Free programme, run by Community of Purpose, targets holiday hunger by providing high-quality activities and free food for young people aged eight to 13 from areas with the most need in south Bristol.
is needed now More than ever
Craig, who is the company director of EMC Electrical Group, will take part in the David Goggins 4x4x48 challenge wearing a 5kg weight vest to make it “a little bit tougher”.
“Growing up and living in south Bristol I understand the challenges that some families face,” says Craig, 38, who lives in Hartcliffe.
He adds: “I would like to do my bit and play my part in helping to eradicate holiday hunger so those children who are in receipt of free school meals during term times don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from during the school holidays.”
Craig O’Brien is taking part in the 4x4x48 challenge to raise funds for Community of Purpose’s Break Free programme – photo: Charlie Watts
Amy Kington, who is the co-founder and CEO of social enterprise Community of Purpose, says Craig is helping them “tackle a problem that is an epidemic in south Bristol”.
She says: “We live in a beautiful city but we recognise that one third of the young people are sadly living below the poverty line.
“Holiday hunger for me is one of modern society’s biggest challenges, and the fact that Craig understands that and recognises that he can play his part in making it better for young people is incredible.
“He’s doing it because he genuinely cares about the community and recognises that those kids would have a pretty miserable time if it wasn’t for the fact that this holiday hunger programme provides brilliant opportunities for them to break free.”
The Break Free programme supports hundreds of young people every school holiday, taking them on activities such as climbing and ice skating, alongside providing meals.
Craig will start his challenge on March 3 and finish 48 hours later on March 5 at KFC, where Amy has agreed to buy him all the chicken he can eat.
To give to the fundraiser, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/craig-obrien
Main photo: Charlie Watts
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