The Northampton Town FC Community Trust’s Damon Fox is to run 750 kms across 12 weeks in support of children in poverty in Northampton and raise funds for the Community Trust’s Education Programmes.

Northamptonshire has seen an increase in children in poverty particularly post pandemic. Previous stats saw 16% of children living in poverty in Northampton alone (national average 17%) which amounts to 7500 children.

All areas of a child’s life are adversely affected by poverty: home, school, friendships and more. The most visible aspect is that they do not have what their friends have. Child poverty impacts on children’s ability to enjoy their childhoods and achieve their aspirations. A situation no child deserves to face.

Damon began the fundraising project on Monday 13th March for 12 weeks taking him through to Sunday June 4th. As part of completing his target distance for the project he will complete daily 5kms runs locally as well running at his local Park Run at the Northampton Racecourse. He will also be joined by some colleagues from local businesses and education. He chose the figure of 750 kms to coincide with the 7500 children that are classed as living in poverty in Northampton.

Damon is aiming to raise £10,000. The funds raised will go towards the Education Department here at the NTFC Community Trust to be in the following areas for the 2023/24 Academy year.

• Offset the costs for schools who currently access the Primary Stars Programme (that will be used towards their Mentor where they are working with children who are in poverty)
• To pay for Educational Takeover Days within in school in a demographic of high deprivation
• To fund programmes such as Team Talk (looking at targeted children for Mental Wellbeing)
• Subsidising places on our holiday soccer schools programme & transport (for those who cannot access this due to their circumstances)
• Funding equipment or kit for children to use at school or in grassroots opportunities.

The Northampton Town FC Community Trust currently works with 33 schools on their Primary Stars & Secondary School Mentoring Programme as well 39 more who are engaged on the PASS Programme. NTFC Community Trust have been working with local schools for the past 22 years but in recent years their work has been more tailored to those children who are most vulnerable.

As part of the challenge, children from NTFC Community Trust partner schools will join him in completing his big target during the latter part of the project from Monday 8th May where he aims to run a mile with the children from each school as well as them helping raise funds towards the target. Each school will receive a certificate for taking part in the project as well as some donated prizes dependant on how much each school raises.

Clarence the Dragon will also be joining Damon out on tour of Northamptonshire in some of the schools as well support from some of the Northampton Town FC players who will help start some of the school events.

Damon is no stranger to running having completed park runs, half marathons and the London Marathon in 2017 so he felt he wanted to combine a passion of his to being healthy with supporting those in most need in an industry he has worked in for over 15 years.

Damon said, “When I was thinking about what fundraising activity I would do to support the Community Trust, it was very much centred around my background of working with children & giving them more opportunities across Northamptonshire. Although I am an avid runner this will be my challenge running mentally and physically I have ever done so I hope you can all support me along the way.”

NTFC Community Trust CEO Phill Smith added “Child poverty is sadly on the rise and with it, this can bring additional barriers that children have to overcome if they are to realise their potential. One of our key outcomes as a charity is to enhance life chances and the funds Damon raises will be vital for expanding our successful mentoring interventions and initiatives which help to break down these barriers”. Everyone at NTFC Community Trust wishes Damon the best of luck as he embarks on this challenge!”

If you wish to find out more or support the ‘Covering the Distance’ challenge please visit justgiving.com/page/damon-fox-1678696402252/

For more information on the NTFC Community Trust Education Programmes, or if you’re school wishes to get involved by inviting Damon to run with your pupils at school please email damon.fox@ntfc.co.uk