***BREAKING NEWS!*** I'm now doing a MARATHON, not just a half!!
I'm raising £400 for Ipswich Housing Action Group in memory of Steve Whyte. I met Steve when he started as a volunteer at Red Rose Chain theatre company, where I was the Assistant Producer & volunteer coordinator.
Steve had overcome personal issues with drug addiction and IHAG were instrumental in finding him a place to live and supported him across the 4 years that I was worked with him.
During his time at Red Rose Chain, Steve developed as a volunteer and a member of the Community Theatre Company. He worked hard and earned himself an employed role at the company as Technical Manager.
As a member of the Community Theatre company, Steve performed in many productions. He was cast as a professional actor in the educational play "Sammy's Room". I toured this production with Steve and a small company of actors to schools & colleges across the East of England and Steve went on to act in the film version too. The play carried a strong anti-drugs message and was performed to over 5000 young people. Each performance of the play ended with a Q&A session in which Steve spoke honestly and openly about his own past experiences with addiction as a warning to the young audience about the dangers of substance misuse.
All the time that I was fortunate enough to be friends with Steve, I remember that IHAG were a constant support in his life. He had turned his own life around and IHAG had a major part to play in ensuring that he had a place to call home.
Steve passed away in February 2013. In his memory I am supporting IHAG to ensure that they can continue to help people like Steve who have a huge positive contribution to make in Ipswich and their local community, but who need a helping hand to get back on track.
I am raising money for three charities in Steve's memory. Find the others here:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/WayneLinge
