With only nine weeks to train, I have decided to run the Great Manchester Run Half Marathon on Sunday 18th May and raise critical funds for my charity, Centre 70.

This will be my first fundraising challenge since 2021, and now feel like time to take on another for a couple of reasons:

• I have been a proud trustee of Centre 70 since 2019, a charity based in the heart of West Norwood (South London) since 1970. We provide essential services to the community including free legal advice in housing and debt, counselling and well-being. Due to drastic cuts to funding, our services are now at risk of being significantly reduced. Every penny raised for Centre 70 will help keep our services going, promoting good mental health and reducing poverty.

   

• Since the passing of my dad at the beginning of the year, my mental health took a bit of a dip. By taking on this running challenge, I hope to improve my mental health through running, inspire others to run, whilst supporting a cause very close to my heart that is committed to promoting good mental health and access to justice.

Whether its £13.20 (a £1 per mile), or feel generous to give more; whatever you can afford, all donations are very much welcomed and appreciated!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!

We are sad to report the death of Jill Panni.  We, both trustees and staff, offer our sincere condolences to her husband Aziz and to the whole family. 

We also want to express our appreciation of Jill and for all she did to help Centre 70 over many years do the things we do to serve people and communities in South London and beyond.   

Jill was a trustee of Centre 70 for nearly 16 years until she stepped down in July 2013 and acted as chair of trustees for some of this time. Before that Jill had joined Centre 70 as a volunteer adviser, wanting to use her previous experience when she ran an outreach programme of advice in the community.  She was great supporter of Centre 70 from the charity’s early days.  She caught and helped carry over many years the vision of Centre 70 to provide practical support, advice and counselling for those in need. 

Jill made herself available to provide practical help to staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters.  She shared her wisdom and experience to steer Centre 70 through many phases of the work.  Her energy and her endearing personality were applied to bring encouragement when spirits were lagging.  She was happy to serve in any way – whether calling in at the office to work on a funding application or to serve refreshments at Annual General Meetings.  Centre 70 is stronger from all she did.

A legacy Jill leaves is the enrichment she brought to us and to the many people Centre 70 has served over time.  We too at Centre 70 who knew her will sorely miss her.  But we have happy memories of her and of her positive approach to solving problems, her willingness to get involved to move things forward and the many other ways she was a blessing.   

To honour Jill, her family pledge to visit all 46 Great Trees of London by the end of 2025 raising funds for Centre 70 as they go. For more information visit https://localgiving.org/fundraising/greattreesoflondonchallenge 

The trustees and staff of Centre 70

It was with great sadness we report the death of Sir Anthony.  Centre 70, both trustees and staff, offer sincere condolences to his widow and family.

Sir Anthony served Centre 70 in many ways over the years – as a trustee (he was on the board of trustees for over fifteen years), as chair of trustees for several years and as a valuable and generous supporter.  His efforts contributed substantially to the strength of the organisation, to the good outcomes for those we seek to serve and to the wellbeing of the staff.

The many at Centre 70 who knew Sir Anthony will have felt enriched by who he was as well as by what he did.  Many lasting memories are held of him – his huge efforts to promote what Centre 70’s work, his deep concern for people, especially of those in need, and his kindness. 

We all at Centre 70 wish to express thankfulness for Sir Anthony, for who he was and for all the good he has done for the work and service of Centre 70.  He has left a rich legacy in people’s lives. 

The trustees and staff of Centre 70