This year, more than 40 enthusiastic runners raising essential funds for Jewish Care and Jami, part of Jewish Care, participated in the Maccabi GB Fun Run in the 1k, 5k, and 10K courses alongside their families.
Jewish Care and Jami’s mascots Chava Heart and Jamie, proudly led the way for the charity’s fundraisers, including babies, children, young people and adults, taking part in support of charities at the start line. 
Among the youngest participants baby Harry, just four months old, took on the 1K route with his proud parents, Nicole and Adam Solomon.
Nicole shares, “Both Adam and I have been involved with Jewish Care in different capacities over the years and have seen firsthand the amazing services and support they provide for the community. We hope that Harry will follow in our footsteps and be passionate about fundraising and support various charities when he is older.”
At three years old, Ben Sevitt-Lawrence completed 5k with his mum, Emma Sevitt, and dad, Andrew and said he was “excited about running with my family Andrew’s mother is a member of Jewish Care’s Zalman and Ruchi Noé Centre for people living with dementia at the Sandringham care campus.
Emma shares, “We really wanted to support Jewish Care for all they are doing for my mother-in-law. We also have a social worker from Jewish Care who supports the family. Having this really has been a lifeline for us, we really wanted to give back.”
Ellie Baum, who is part of Jewish Care’s Volunteering Department team, participated in the 10K event alongside her friend, Sophie, in honour of Ellie’s grandfather, who spent years volunteering for
Jewish Care.
Ellie, aged 20, shares, “After spending time at several Jewish Care resources and working directly with our clients, I’ve learnt how essential our services are to those who rely on us.
“My Grandpa expressed how much Jewish Care added to his life during his retired years. It gave him responsibility, routine and a place to socialise and chat, something my grandpa does best! I feel very fortunate and proud to fundraise for Jewish Care.”
Sophie adds, “Supporting Jewish Care as a young person is very important. Jewish Care looks after our loved ones and our family members when they need it most and they ensure that life continues after retirement for the older members of the Jewish community. Fundraising helps to ensure that Jewish Care can keep their essential services running.”
The Klein family also ran together, and not for the first time, inspired by their son, Joe, who recently completed the TCS London Marathon in 3hr20m. Sam, 22, Josh, 25, their dad Andrew and Tayla Cohen, ran the 5k together. While family athlete, Joe, took on the 10K event, Andrew shared, “I am super proud to see my children participating in an event that supports a cause so close to my heart.”
Close friends Dania Mann-Wineberg and Tova Liebert took on the 10K challenge in honour of Jewish Care’s support for older and vulnerable members of the community.
Tova says, “My Aunt Rosalind has suffered from severe mental health problems since being starved of oxygen at birth. After my grandmother died, Rosalind was left alone and vulnerable and would end up in hospital weekly. Jewish Care Sidney Corob House care home for people with mental health needs took her in and cared for her. She has been living there for almost 10 years and is the happiest she has ever been.
“Sidney Corob House care home is a warm and beautiful place, and my family and I are so grateful for the incredible work that the Jewish Care workers and volunteers invest into helping the most vulnerable members of our community live the best quality life they can.”
Families also turned out in support of Jami, the Jewish community’s mental health service. Jennifer Friend and sons Theodore, aged 5, and Gabriel, aged 2, participated in the 1K to raise money for Jami, with Simon running the 5K.
The Wainer’s, family of four, also participated in the 1K and 5K and raised vital funds for Jami to help support those living with mental illness or distress.
David Wainer shares, “Originally, it was the four of us running, and now it is only three, but the motivation behind our participation is personal. A family member has faced mental health challenges, and supporting and raising awareness for charities like Jami, especially those within the Jewish community, is very important to us.
“This cause is particularly meaningful during our son’s Bar Mitzvah year. As part of his Bar Mitzvah project, he chose to support Jami in honour of his family member, recognising the importance of mental health care and community support.”
Basya Warents and Robin Field, who both work and volunteer at Jami’s Head Room Café, supported by The Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation, completed the run as well. They said, “We are proud to have raised money for this amazing organisation that supports people struggling with mental health, loneliness and distress. It’s a privilege to raise awareness for this incredible charity.”
The Maccabi GB Fun Run, once again, proved to be more than a race – it was a show of community spirit and collective action. Funds raised will go directly to supporting the work Jewish Care and Jami do.
Ellisa Estrin, Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising & Marketing, said, “It was fantastic to see so many young people and their families participating in the Maccabi GB Fun Run. This community event is truly special. I congratulate our runners of all ages and thank them for supporting Jewish Care’s crucial work. Young people bring so much to our community, especially when they engage in intergenerational activities and connect with older generations.”