We catch up with David Roper of 4 Poofs & a Piano about his reasons to support Alert and run for Peace. We asked him some quick fire questions…
1. What made you want to run the marathon for Alert?
I was looking for someone to run for and saw your advert
2. How long have you been running for? How many marathons?
I started running in 2008 when I first decided to do a Marathon. The London Marathon
3. What is your biggest secret to training?
My biggest secret to training is having something important to have a long private think about.
4. Do you think Peace is an attainable goal?
I think we have to think that peace is an attainable goal. Although the goalposts and the playing field will constantly be changing.
5. How did you come to know Alert?
A friend of mine applied for a job with Alert
6. What do you think about the work we do?
I feel that the work that Alert do is very important to achieving a stable basis for peace.
7. What is the aspect of running that you enjoy the most?
I love being outdoors and having the ability to clear your mind with a run.
8. Do you listen to music while you run? If yes, who’s most prominent on your playlist?
Strangely I don't listen to music while running. I like to hear what's going on around me and allow my mind to wander. Also I get annoyed if the beat of the track is the wrong tempo.... Jeff Buckley doing Hallelujah doesn't get me skipping along...Although I love it.
9. What’s next for you in 2011?
After I finish the Brighton I've got to get my teeth into writing 4 Poofs and a Piano's new Edinburgh show " JR Ate My Hamster" (don't ask...) Which is on at Pleasance One in Edinburgh from August 3rd.... writing and running.... I think we'll get the train there. Also we're doing a new afternoon audience participation show " Afternoon Gleeparty"
10. What is the one message about Peace that you would like to say to your fans and our supporters?
Don't ever 'take the peace' out of someone. It's the best platform for happiness we have...Keep smiling though.
Why not support David and Alert by donating? Head on over to his JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/David-Roper1 [4]
CONGRATULATIONS to David, Jonny, Matt and Melanie for completing the Brighton Marathon 2011. They did an amazing job in the scorching heat! And a massive THANK YOU for being part of the 'peace is possible' running team and for all the fundraising you have done for Alert so far.
Here’s what Matt had to say about the marathon and his reasons for supporting Alert:
'The marathon was a great experience and running for Alert gave me the motivation to get through all 26.2 miles. Conflicts around the world inflict appalling suffering on civilians and an organisation like Alert, which takes practical steps at all levels to build peace, are indispensable in remedying the deep harm caused by war. It's understandable that people look to problems at home first, but it's vital to recognise the extent of suffering elsewhere and the need for us all to help and not to stand by idly. Supporting International Alert was, for me, a way to support this point and, in a very small way, bring attention to it amongst my friends and family.'
If you want to take part in the Brighton Marathon 2012, get in contact with our Fundraising Team [5] as we have a few places up for grabs! Don’t miss out on this great event and with the Olympics coming to London in 2012 what better time to get involved?