Michael McDonnell, 30, a Technical Consultant living in Lewisham, will be running the London Marathon on Sunday 26 April for Independent Age, a national charity that supports older people living in financial hardship. He is one of four people running for the charity in this year’s race. This year he is hoping to raise £2,200: https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/michael-mcdonnell
Michael heard about Independent Age through his work at the Lewisham Irish Centre where his has volunteered as a Trustee for over five years.
Michael said:
“I’ve always been someone who likes to get involved in the community. As someone with a background in data governance and technology consulting, I felt I could bring something practical to the board while also learning a lot from being part of a grassroots organisation that does so much for its local community, particularly older people in the local Irish community. It’s been incredibly rewarding to be a part of it over the years.”
“The Centre runs a wide range of services that directly support older people. This includes an Irish Elders & Friends social afternoon every Friday, and a Men’s Group for older Irish men. The Centre also offers a free Digital Hub to help with phones and tablets, a Community Café several days a week, and a Thursday Community Connections drop-in. We also have our own advice service that supports people with welfare benefits, housing, and pensions. It was through older people using these services that I first heard about Independent Age.”
In the run up to the Marathon, Michael has invited Independent Age employees to Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at the Lewisham Irish Centre to share information and spread awareness of the national Helpline and advice services the charity offers.
Michael said:
“Independent Age is a great charity and I’m enjoying raising awareness of them. The advice services Independent Age provide really do make a difference for older people who use community centres like ours up and down the country.
“The training and fundraising have been tough at times, especially on cold winter nights, but knowing I am running for such an important cause is great motivation. I’m aiming to raise £2,200 and any contribution would be much appreciated.”
There are currently 1.7 million older people living in poverty across the UK with another 1 million hovering precariously on the edge. Independent Age is the national charity focused on helping this group. Their helpline and expert advisors offer free, practical support to older people struggling with their finances. Their grants programme supports hundreds of local organisations working directly with older people across the UK. They use the knowledge and insight gained from their support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.
Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age, said:
“By taking on this challenge, Michael is making a fantastic contribution to supporting older people in financial hardship. There are currently 1.7 million older people living in poverty across the UK with another 1 million hovering precariously on the edge.
“Fundraisers like Michael are vital to our continued ability help people through our Helpline, advice services and campaign work. So, good luck on race day and thank you from everyone at Independent Age.”
Independent Age is the national charity focused on fighting poverty in later life. Their helpline and expert advisors offer free, practical support to older people struggling with their finances. Their grants programme supports hundreds of local organisations working directly with older people across the UK. They use the knowledge and insight gained from their support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.
