Yesterday, 21st April 2024, Jewish Care and Jami supporters showed their dedication to the charities by running 26.2 miles through the streets of London for the TCS London Marathon 2024. The young supporters have raised an impressive £21,285 so far.
Joshua Carmel-Brown from South Woodford completed the marathon yesterday. Speaking about the race, Josh said, “Running a marathon was one of the toughest challenged I have ever had to overcome, but it was an incredible experience, and the atmosphere was amazing. I’m so proud of myself for how far I’ve come since my knee surgery and running for an incredible charity like Jewish Care made it all worth it.”
Josh took fundraising in his stride and has raised almost £4,000 for the charity to date. Joshua has close connections with Jewish Care as his family across four generations have been involved with the charity. He was also a participant of Jewish Care’s MIKE (Motivation, Inspiration, Knowledge, and Education) youth leadership development programme, when he was a teenager.
Josh said, “My great-grandparents were cared for at Jewish Care’s Vi & John Ruben’s House care home and I have seen firsthand the importance of the services Jewish Care provides. In 2020, when the pandemic hit, I spent some time volunteering at Anita Dorfman House care home at Sandringham and was inspired by the employees and volunteers who worked tirelessly to support Jewish families, and who continue to do so.
The 22-year-old previously ran the London Royal Parks Half Marathon in 2018 alongside his dad, Jewish Care’s CEO Daniel Carmel-Brown, who ran the London Marathon in 2017.
Jamie Steinberg from London also ran the 26.2 miles for the first time while supporting Jewish Care’s services. He said, “My friend unfortunately had to pull out of the race, so I have picked up the baton and completed this marathon at the last minute for this wonderful charity.
Jewish Care is a charity close to Jamie and his family as his grandpa, Martin Steinberg, is a resident at Jewish Care’s Otto Schiff care home in Golders Green. Jamie continued, “My grandpa has been unwell for a long time and for the last four years has been in the care of one of their incredible homes. We
can’t express how grateful we are to this amazing charity, and it was a pleasure to run this marathon in support of Jewish Care.”
Victoria Caplin also ran the TCS London Marathon for the first time for Jami, the mental health service for the Jewish community, which has recently integrated with Jewish Care. Victoria found a passion for running over the last few years and noticed an improvement to her mental health since starting her running journey.
Victoria said, “I have struggled with my own mental health and understand the profound impact of feeling isolated by one’s thoughts and the
pressures amplified by social media. The mere thought of seeking support once filled me with shame and hesitation, despite knowing its potential benefits. However, through running, I have made great connections, and it has provided me with the time and space to quiet the turbulence within my thoughts and emotions, offering a sanctuary for inner calm and personal growth.
“Jami provides vital mental health support to individuals and families within the Jewish community, ensuring that they have access to the care and resources they need. Mental health is a significant issue that affects countless lives and the stigma surrounding it often prevents people from seeking help.”
Daisy Coutts has clocked up the miles this year for Jami. She explained, “Running the London Marathon has been on my bucket list and raising money for Jami was an obvious choice as I have been a supporter for a few years now. Providing mental health support is so important, especially at a time when the NHS is so overstretched and can’t meet everyone’s needs. I am very pleased that people in the Jewish community, who are struggling with their mental health, can instead turn to Jami for help. I think it’s an amazing charity doing amazing work.”
Olivia Fox and Adam Driver have joined forces to raise money for Jami’s services, totalling over £8,000 so far for the charity and yesterday was the duo’s first ever marathon.
Olivia said, “Adam and I decided to run the marathon in support of Jami, a fantastic organisation dedicated to supporting individuals, families, and carers affected by mental illness and distress. Mental health is a cause close to our hearts and we have supported the brilliant work that Jami does for both the Jewish community in London for a few years now.”
Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising & Marketing, Ellisa Estrin, says, “We’re so incredibly proud of all our runners and thankful to all of them for taking on this amazing challenge, to raise vital funds for Jewish Care and Jami to support our services for people in the community.
“I hope others will feel inspired to run for Jewish Care and Jami or take up a challenge, whether it is to remember a close relative or friend who has been cared for by Jewish Care, someone who is supported by Jami, or to simply get behind a good cause. Setting a goal can help people to stay motivated to exercise and get fitter, while also helping others.”
If you need support or are supporting someone who needs help, visit https://jamiuk.org/get-support/ or contact 020 8458 2223.
If you would like to be part of Team Jewish Care in 2025, please email events@jcare.org.
If you are struggling to cope or need immediate help, contact Shout’s 24/7 crisis text service. Text Jami to 85258 for free, confidential support. For information advice and support you can also contact Jewish Care Direct helpline at helpline@jcare.org or call 020 0922 2222.
To donate to the runners’ fundraisers, see below:
https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/joshua-carmel-brown
Jamie Steinberg is fundraising for Jewish Care (justgiving.com)
Olivia Fox is fundraising for Jami (justgiving.com)
Daisy Coutts is fundraising for Jami (justgiving.com)
Victoria Caplin is fundraising for Jami (justgiving.com)