Simon Westgarth, Founder of RFS, wearing a red British Heart Foundation shirt and shorts holding a medal

Cool Running

  • 2 mins read
Simon Westgarth, Founder of RFS, wearing a red British Heart Foundation shirt and shorts holding a medal
Our CEO Simon Westgarth had an unusual birthday – running through London in the Royal Parks Half Marathon to raise funds for Richmond Furniture Scheme’s Starter Kits.
He raised more than £1,100 to help us provide basics items for people in our community who are making a fresh start after experiencing hardship such as homelessness or domestic abuse.
Our Starter Kits make a big difference to people moving into new accommodation but with little cash to make it homely.  Fundraising allows us to provide the basics like a kettle, toaster, crockery and pots and pans, free of charge.
Amy was homeless and got a grant to spend with us to furnish her new accommodation, and we also gave her a Starter Kit.
“All I had was my toiletry bag and a pair of jeans and I couldn’t believe how much help you gave me. I kept thinking ‘What’s the catch?’ but you just said: ‘Don’t worry, just go home and we’ll deliver it all’.  And they did, it was amazing! 
“I’m so happy with everything I got.  Getting all those things like the utensils meant I had more money for food and bills – I’m on Universal Credit and it all goes on my bills.
 
A kettle even on its own gives you so many possibilities, I’m sat here with my tea so my kettle is still going strong!”
PS
Simon completed the run in just over two hours, we are most impressed!  He was also raising money for the British Heart Foundation.