Debt Charity Boss To Run 84 Miles As Part Of Growth Campaign

Thu, 03 Sep 2009

The founder of a debt counselling service in Bradford is training for a gruelling 84 mile run to help fund the expansion of the business.

John Kirkby, founder and international director of national debt charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP), plans to run 84 miles in just 30 hours - equal to three marathons back-to-back - as part of a drive to raise £750,000.

CAP currently operates 102 debt counselling centres, but hopes to open another 60 in churches across the country to help cater to an extra 2,250 debt-hit families.

The £750,000, 60 centre target represents the charity’s biggest ever fundraising and growth campaign.

Mr Kirby said: "As you know, the recession is causing havoc in many people's lives across the UK, with more and more families falling into uncontrollable debt .

"Running 84 miles over a 30-hour period seems like madness to some but we really must respond to the massive need in society and open more debt counselling centres like our fantastic one in Halton."

The 42-year-old added that CAP has already received "incredible support" from employees and supporters, with £520,000 already raised.

Rodric Williams, CAP centre manager in Widnes, commented: "We have first-hand experience of how the recession is pushing more and more people to the brink of financial crisis."

"Hopefully more people will be able to support the work of CAP and ensure that we open our additional 60 centres over the coming year."

CAP was started by Mr Kirkby in the bedroom of his home in Great Horton, Bradford, in 1996.
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