MapAction, the disaster mapping charity, has secured six coveted places in Sunday’s London Marathon, thanks to its royal patron Prince Harry.
Six runners will take on the 26.2-mile course in an effort to raise over £20,000 for MapAction in celebration of its tenth year of disaster response. AGI Director & CEO Chris Holcroft is one of the runners and, as you know, is a long-time supporter of MapAction. Chris says: “MapAction is a unique charity that really makes a positive impact to people’s lives. I’m proud and honoured to be given a chance to help out.”
The other runners are:
Christopher Egerton-Warburton , a MapAction trustee, who was nearly killed in a cycling accident almost a year to the day of the marathon. He has made a miraculous recovery and is now running the marathon in aid of MapAction with his wife, Sarah Egerton-Warburton. Christopher says: “It took a long time for me to get back on my feet after my accident – time that allowed me to reflect on all the things I wanted to achieve in my life before I said goodbye to this world. I am thrilled to take on this challenge for MapAction as they celebrate their 10 th anniversary of disaster mapping. I hope to raise as much money as possible, so that more lives can be saved and people’s suffering can be minimised.”
Naomi Morris , a humanitarian professional and MapAction volunteer, has deployed on numerous overseas deployments with the charity, including the Haiti earthquake of 2010. Now working with a charity in Afghanistan, she is flying back to London for the Marathon and will be dressing up as a giant globe to raise awareness for MapAction. Naomi says: “I have been involved in a number of MapAction emergency missions, including the devastating Haiti earthquake. Having seen first-hand the incredible difference MapAction makes, I know just how important it is to support this vital service.”
Ian Holt , a Programme Manager at Ordnance Survey and MapAction volunteer, who deployed to help coordinate relief efforts in the devastating Pakistan floods of 2012. Ian says: “"I’m very proud to volunteer for such an inspiring and effective charity. It is a herculean effort for me to take part in the marathon, but I know it will be worthwhile as it’ll enable MapAction to help others in their times of most desperate need."
John Lyon , a geography education consultant from Sheffield, has supported MapAction’s work for a number of years. John says: “I develop resources for teachers that enable young people to better understand the world they live on. Highlighting the work of MapAction is an excellent way to show how lives can be saved through mapped information. MapAction volunteers are not only experts in providing humanitarian mapping, but they are ambassadors for applied geography. I am proud to have been asked to run in aid of this inspirational charity.
Chloe Browitt , Head of Fundraising at MapAction, says: “MapAction is extremely honoured to have been granted places in the London Marathon in this tenth year of our disaster mapping service. Already in 2012, we have responded to four humanitarian emergencies, including floods in the Philippines and famine across West Africa. The marathon efforts of our six runners will raise much-needed funds for MapAction, enabling us to respond to more emergencies and help to save lives.”
To support MapAction, please visit: www.mapaction.org