Community Led Initiatives - Community Fund

Hi, my name is Pete and I'm running the Manchester Marathon on the 27th April, 2025. I'm running to raise money for a non-profit organisation, Community Led Initiatives , who support people to rebuild their lives after overcoming mental ill-health, addiction, homelessness and prison. CLI's support and mentoring helps people to build a more fulfilling life, to become part of, and positively impact, their community.

I founded CLI in 2013 as a way to support people to make the changes they needed in their life, as from my own experience, I knew how hard it was. I'm a passionate advocate for people's ability to change, given the right support by people who they can trust and opportunities to develop the skills and capabilities to flourish in life. I'm living proof of that, as are many of the CLI team.

Committing to running a marathon is a huge personal goal for me. In January 2024 I weighed 21st 9lb and the only exercise I was doing was walking to the fridge! My exercise programme started with jog / walk / jog for 2 minutes each until I could jog for 10 minutes.

I will be joined by James Rowland who heads the services we provide. James also has barriers to overcome as he only has 10% cartilage left in his knees after playing rugby in his younger days!

Your support and encouragement will drive us on during the long and hard miles we have ahead of us as well as make a huge difference to people who need our help.

100% of money raised will be used in the direct support of CLI's beneficiaries to help pay for the things they need to re-establish themselves in the community. This can range from essential items like kitchen ware and small furniture items for people who have been homeless, clothing for job interviews, identification so people can get on housing lists, and health and wellbeing support.

Donations from companies and individuals for our Central Fund are also welcome at any time.

£25 could fund a mobile phone, an essential link to CLI mentor and medical/social/financial/recovery services.

£35 could fund ID, essential for opening a bank account, finding housing, applying for benefits/employment.

£100 could fund qualifications, essential for employment and appropriate clothing for interviews/employment.

CLI is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and is committed to the code of fundraising practice.