HALL OF FAME

Jane is currently nearing the end of an epic solo cycle ride from John O’Groats to Lands End. Jane is aiming to raise £3,150 for Peace Direct – that’s £50 for every year of her life. You can support her today www.justgiving.com/jane-thurnell-read.

“Many children grow up never having known what it is like to live in a country that is at peace. The work of charities and NGOs is restricted or stopped altogether when there is civil unrest or military conflict. Conflict disrupts infrastructure, democratic processes, education, farming, employment and life expectancy. Peace Direct doesn’t go in and try to sort it out – instead it seeks out local peace makers and supports them in their work to bring conflict resolution to their own communities.

40 per cent of conflicts will restart within 10 years of a peace treaty being signed. 90 per cent of the people who die in those conflicts are not armed forces, but civilians, many of them children. We need to stop these conflicts from restarting, to stop people from dying.

Please support me by supporting Peace Direct.” Hide

“Having endured the sweat, blood and tears of running a Marathon in 2010, I thought there was nothing that would motivate me to hit the tarmac a second time around in training for the ultimate running challenge.

Deciding to embark on a smaller race, I ran the Great South Run 2010 to raise money for Peace Direct. The support and encouragement I received from the team at Peace direct was sensational. The energy and enthusiasm of the staff was exactly what I needed to get me round the course and hearing about all of the good work they are doing in war-torn countries has inspired me once again to don a Peace Direct  vest and run the 26 mile course that is the Brighton 2011 Marathon. Brighton is only in its second year but it is sure to be an amazing day in such a colourful town. Completing a marathon is a feeling like no other, but knowing that all my efforts will be helping to stop conflict and save lives will make the day even more rewarding.” Hide

“The Great South Run 2010 was my first ten-mile street race and it was a brilliant experience. The weather was beautiful, the crowds were fantastic and I was really pleased with the time I achieved. What made the day even more special was knowing that with every step, I was raising crucial funds so that Peace Direct could continue to help people in war-torn countries reduce conflict and build peace. This year, with the support of Peace Direct staff, I’m hoping to smash last year’s time and I’ll be looking forward to my ice-cold pint at the end!” Hide

“The number of people running the Paris marathon 2011 was inspiring – 40,000 people is more than in London and yet you kept seeing familiar faces of all ages at the different stages. At one point, we were even overtaken by the official marathon beaujolais which translates as three men (who must have been in their sixties) carrying a barrel of wine on a wooden cart!! Beforehand you imagine this could be depressing but when you see them going as fast as you, being so much older than you *and* carrying a barrel of wine you can’t help but smile and think ‘wow that’s inspirational!’

I’ve been following the work of Peace Direct for a few years and can see how the partners they support are not just unique, but are uniquely placed to foster peace in unimaginable scenarios around the world. Short of being there to support peacebuilders in person, channelling funds towards their organisations ensures that they have the much-needed resources to continue their crucial work.

To all at Peace Direct – Thank you. Your support was great!” Hide

“Running any marathon is a serious and thought-provoking experience. Running one to help the efforts of Peace Direct, that does such social good in the world, makes the pain and pounding of muscles a small price to pay for the benefit one can provide. The support, energy and verbal back-slapping of the Peace Direct team really helps to get you over that infamous final finishing line, while also making the whole experience fun.

A sincere well done to everyone that took part in the marathon to help the efforts of Peace Direct and I look forward to seeing you next year, for more of the same.” Hide

Perdie Henderson, Anna Parry, Sophia Hill, Lauren Alexander, Maria Iu and Zoe Slade were all a huge help when they joined us in Paddington station in February to bucket-shake at our event, Peace and Love Out Loud.

Kharunya Paramaguru, Shadi Khalil and Tanya Bernstein all took brilliant photos at Peace and Love Out Loud and really helped us capture the romantic and fun atmosphere.

We couldn’t have made Peace and Love Out Loud a success however without our wonderful choirs. A massive thank you to Sounding It Out, Yerbury Adult Choir, Voices On The Hill, Vocally Sound and Maspindzeli.

Special thanks to our Christmas choirs and singers also – Camden Choir, Raised Voices, Heythrop Chapel Choir, SOAS World Music Choir, Carolyn, Sheila, Frank, Dolly, Michael, David, Federico, Milla, Colin and Max.

And to our other Great South Runners Ed Bailey, Jenny Ridge, Anna Morris and Jennifer Desmoulins – Thank you. Hide