17-year-old Matthew is putting his best foot forward to support our goal of ending loneliness among people aged 75 and over. 

Matthew, from Lancashire, is one of 24,000 runners taking part in the Manchester Half Marathon in October to raise £500 for Re-engage. 

“I wanted to help a charity and it seemed to me that many of the bigger ones get plenty of support. So I thought it would be nice to run for a smaller charity that has really good aims. 

“When some people get older their social circles get smaller and Re-engage helps by bringing them together and creating happiness not loneliness.” 

Matthew is still close to his two grandmothers, who he sees regularly. Sadly his grandfather, Maurice died during Covid leaving gran, Marjorie understandably shaken. 

“She became nervous and withdrawn for a while,” added Matthew, who is taking a T-level business course. “But now she’s getting out with friends and socialising again, which is just what she needs.” 

Matthew is training for the 13.1 miles course around the centre of Manchester by running five times a week for between 5km and 15km. 

“Barring injuries I’m sure I’ll be fit enough to complete the half marathon,” he said. “It’s something I’m really looking forward to, especially as the money will be helping older people have happier lives.”