Mohamed Ewasha, 76, from Willesden Green, will be running the Royal Parks Half-Marathon on Sunday 13 October. He will be taking on the 13.1 mile course though some of the capital’s most famous sights to raise money for Independent Age, a national charity that supports older people living in financial hardship. He is one of nine people running for the charity in this year’s race.
Mohamed, who has driven a black cab for over 42 years, refers many of his older customers and neighbours to Independent Age for information and support.
When asked why he chose to fundraise for Independent Age, he said:
“As I live in a retirement development among other older people, it seemed natural to fundraise for Independent Age. I also found out that Independent Age staff are most helpful and their engagement with the runners through the social media group creates comradeship, team spirit and a warm atmosphere.”
Independent Age is a national charity focused on improving the lives of older people in financial hardship. It provides a strong campaigning voice, and free and impartial advice on the issues that matter to people over 65 and their families, including money and benefits.
Mohamed has fundraised for Independent Age before, completing the 2018 and 2023 London Marathon, raising thousands in the process. He is also registered to run for them again in next year’s marathon. Mohamed was recognised for his charity work last year when he won an award as his local MP nominated him at the Parliamentary Taxi and Private Hire Driver Awards (see picture).
When discussing how he raises money for his fundraising efforts Mohamed explained:
“I never find running a chore. Fundraising is a lot harder. One useful source of fundraising is my passengers. During my daily work, I put a poster in the cab advertising my running and fundraising for Independent Age. I had a modest response but one donation from a passenger “a total stranger” was £250 ! Would you believe it?”
Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age, said:
“Thank you to Mohamed for choosing to support Independent Age again at this year’s Royal Parks Half-Marathon. We admire your continued and consistent efforts to supporting those facing financial hardship in later life.
“Two million older people currently live in poverty in the UK and this is predicted to double by 2040 if nothing changes. So, we need all the help we can get in tackling this growing issue.
“At Independent Age, we believe that no older person should face financial hardship. That’s why, by 2027, our goal is to have improved the lives of one million older people. We couldn’t do this without fundraisers like Mohamed. Thank you.”
You can support Mohamed by donating here: https://independentage.enthuse.com/pf/mohamed-ewasha-908e8
