Runner inspired to volunteer for NSPCC Cymru

• Sian Pearce ran the London Marathon in aid of the NSPCC
• Raised more than £3,000 for the children’s charity
• She was inspired to become a Schools Service volunteer
• She is now urging others to volunteer for the NSPCC

A Welsh woman who was inspired to become an NSPCC schools volunteer after running the London Marathon has urged people to support the children’s charity.

Sian Pearce, who raised more than £3,000 for the NSPCC by running the marathon, has urged others to become volunteers for the charity as ChildLine celebrates its 30^thanniversary this year.
“The support I had from my friends and family was amazing and I simply couldn’t have done it without them,” she said.
“But the most surprising part of my journey was the kindness I received from strangers all because I was running on behalf of a great cause.

“I had a £20 donation from a stranger whilst I was wearing my vest on a training run, who gave it to me simply because ChildLine had helped him when he was younger, and I had a £50 donation from the local football team because they thought it was such a great cause to contribute to.”

After training through a ‘wild Welsh winter’ and overcoming injury Sian, who is originally from Cardiff but now lives in Ystrad Mynach, was ready to tackle the gruelling challenge of running 26.2miles around the capital city.

“A few weeks after the marathon I had a visit from a fundraising coordinator called Emma,” she said.
“I didn’t realise how much I’d raised and when she told me it was a massive £3,100 I burst into tears!”
Sian, 37, who runs with Islwyn Running Club, added:

“After doing this I was inspired by the charity and became a Schools Service volunteer.
“I have just finished my training and I’m looking forward to getting signed off and delivering assemblies and workshops to help even more children.”

The NSPCC Schools Service runs the Speak Out Stay safe programme and helps protect primary school children from abuse.
Volunteers visit local schools giving assemblies to children aged 4-11 and classroom workshops to 9-11 year olds. They help them to understand abuse and give them the confidence and courage to speak out and seek help.
Sian added: “I am a proud volunteer and can’t sing the praises of the charity enough.

“My volunteer badge makes me just as proud as my London Marathon medal!”

To sign up for the London Marathon in aid of the NSPCC https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/events/virgin-london-marathon/

To become an NSPCC volunteer https://join-us.nspcc.org.uk/volunteers/register/