North Woolwich resident and long time friend and supporter of Fight for Peace, Selina Botwe, took her running prowess to new levels at the end of April by completing the London Marathon. By doing so, she raised £1000 for Fight for Peace’s work with young people.
While this was Selina’s first marathon, she has past experience of running long distance events in the form of three Hackney Halves, a London Landmarks Half and a Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Half – all half-marathons.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy the magic of running,” says Selina. “I run to support my mental as well as physical health, the highlight is being able to connect with people.”
Selina joined a running group a few years ago and hasn’t looked back. “Being part of that community really helps,” she explains. “Even when it’s raining it’s good to breathe in the fresh air!”
When it came to her biggest challenge yet, the 2023 London Marathon, it was the crowd that had the biggest impression, a factor that helped offset the challenging rainy and windy weather conditions:
“I have never felt anything like it, it was a once in a lifetime experience, everyone was so supportive, there was music all around the course and loads of kids giving you high fives!” At mile 25, Selina’s family was on hand to give her an extra boost and get her across the finish line.
Selina has a long association with Fight for Peace, and youth and social work is close to her heart. When Fight for Peace first opened its doors in North Woolwich in 2007, she attended a taster session and, subsequently, in 2011 she featured the organisation in her university dissertation research. Her brother, Michael is also a member of staff at Fight for Peace and Selina herself began working in the social work sector last year.
Interim Fight for Peace CEO Tracy Pepper expressed her admiration for Selina’s achievement and a deep gratitude for choosing to support the organisation:
“At Fight for Peace we are all about having the courage to test our limits and realise our potential, so to see Selina complete the marathon this year was a huge inspiration to all of us here. We are deeply honoured and grateful that she chose to run in support of Fight for Peace, from all of us thank you Selina, and well done!”
Reflecting on her marathon achievement, Selina is keen to encourage others to get into running and take on London’s most iconic long-distance run: “Running is for everyone, you don’t have to be super fast. I would say give yourself the opportunity to surprise yourself, if you give yourself the time you will be able to do it, it’s an amazing journey!”
