If you haven’t already heard, our Head of Sales & Operations, Phil Saville and our Mortgage Specialist, Karen Dolling have signed up to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise money for The OLLIE Foundation.

We’ve caught up with the two and asked them about their experience so far…

What made you want to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon?

Phil

“I think ‘want to’ might not be the right words, however, when OLLIE asked if we’d like to run it for them, I was never going to say no!”

Karen

“I became a keen runner around 3 years ago when I started my ‘fitness journey’ but after having COVID last year, it really knocked both my ability and confidence. I’ve taken this as an opportunity to get back into practise and there’s no backing out when it’s all for a good cause and there are people counting on me!”

How are you finding the training for it?

Phil

“I thought the half marathon was the end of April and so have recently realised I have one month less to train for it than I thought so now I’d say my training is very much behind schedule. Still, it will give me a huge incentive to really push myself in the New Year which after Christmas my body will likely thank me for!”

Karen

“I’ve really enjoyed the training to date. It was tough to get back into it at first as I was struggling to run even a 5k but having now found that ‘comfortable’ pace, I’ve been knocking out some enjoyable 10 & 15k runs. I’m lucky to live near the canal so I get to enjoy some beautiful views.”

Were you inspired by Joe’s fundraiser for The OLLIE Foundation?

Phil

“Who wasn’t inspired by Joe’s fundraiser? Given how epic Joe’s challenge was we know ours is tiny in comparison however we also know the good it will do for The OLLIE Foundation.”

Karen

“Joe was fantastic with what he achieved, and I saw the training that went into that. Pure grit & determination. He should be very proud. If he can cross the channel, I can run a half marathon!”

Tell us a bit about The OLLIE Foundation and why they’re iMAB’s chosen charity

Phil

“At iMAB we help our clients with their mortgage and insurance requirements and things such as mental health, wellbeing and support has been a huge drive in the insurance industry in particular. We’d been looking to partner with a local charity for some time before we found OLLIE and their work in suicide prevention was immediately a foundation we wanted to support.”

How can we donate?

“We know that our places at the Half Marathon have already cost OLLIE £900 so we need to smash that figure to provide them with financial support that will enable them to continue their good work. It would be great if our followers could donate on our JustGiving page – we’d truly grateful to them all.”