London Marathon 2023: Support our Greenscape Energy runners
Added: 2nd October 2023
Much of Earthwatch Europe’s work wouldn’t have the impact it does without public support, including the wonderful fundraisers who have run (or walked) the London Marathon for us. This year, we are thrilled to have two fantastic runners from one of Britain’s leading domestic solar panels and heat pump installers, Greenscape Energy, in our team. We asked Tom and Gavin to tell us more about their motivation to run for Earthwatch.
Please introduce us to Greenscape Energy – what do you do?
GAVIN: I have been involved with renewable energy since 2008. I have experience across the construction industry with a specialism in Solar, Heat Pumps and Electrical.
TOM: I have been with Greenscape Energy since January 2020. It has been an absolute privilege to be part of the company’s growth. We have achieved so much even in the three years that I have been involved. We have faced and overcome a pandemic, worldwide product shortages and a recession. Despite these challenges, we are now one of the biggest domestic solar installers in the UK. In my role as Operations Manager, I am responsible for the Heat Pump department and am one of the technical leads for the solar side of the business. My day-to-day work involves planning for the future, technical support for staff and training.
Why did you decide to run the London Marathon 2023 for Earthwatch Europe?
TOM: I have two young boys and a lovely wife – we are an active family and we are often out paddle boarding or mountain biking. But Monday to Friday I am fairly sedentary, so I wanted to aim for something big to push me into a training regime for my physical and mental health (and to prove that there is life in the old dog yet!). I chose Earthwatch because, in short, they are awesome! They do such great work and their values very much align with my passion for the environment which has spanned my career.
I felt it was important to work with a charity that shared our values but also embraced science in helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Have you taken part in the London Marathon, or a similar fundraising event, before?
TOM: Ten years ago, my wife and I did the London Marathon. In preparation for that, we did a few half marathons across East Anglia.
How is the training going at the moment?
TOM: It’s a real challenge fitting the training in with a very busy work schedule, a young family, a property renovation and a forty-year-old body, but the distances are increasing slowly. I have had some minor injuries – in short, everything hurts most of the time!
GAVIN: It has been a real motivator to share success and pain with my colleagues and family.
How can people support you?
TOM & GAVIN: We appreciate any donation big or small via our Enthuse fundraising page.
- £8 could buy a tree to be planted in a Tiny Forest.
- £30 could put homes for wildlife such as hedgehogs, frogs and birds in our communities.
- £50 could buy equipment for schoolchildren so that we can inspire our scientists of the future.
Inspired to take part?
Applications for the London Marathon 2023 are now closed. Contact our Fundraising Team today to register your interest for the London Marathon 2024 and join our team next year: fundraising@earthwatch.org.uk
What we offer our fundraisers
- Personal support via email from our Fundraising Team
- Training tips from a qualified running coach
- Virtual meetings and exchange with other runners
- Free runners vest sent ahead of the event
- Cheerful support from Earthwatch staff members on the event day