MP James Morris to take on London Marathon run for Halas Homes

The pair will take to the streets of the capital on Sunday, April 22, to raise funds for the Halesowen-based charity which has been supporting people with learning disabilities for more than 50 years.

Today, Halas Homes specialises in three distinct areas of expertise, including respite care, residential care and day activities.

James, MP for Halesowen and Rowley Regis, said: “I decided to set myself a personal challenge this year of running a marathon, having never really run more than 10km before.

“Since becoming an MP I have visited Halas Homes several times and have always left feeling uplifted by the amazing work that they do here in our local community.

“It truly is a wonderful place to be, and I know it's a place that many people rely on for help and support.”

The money raised by James and Andy will go towards the refurbishment of the charity’s dated day centre meeting room – which was built in 1967.

This is where people with learning disabilities meet daily to take part in various activities including dance, drama, music, art and poetry.

Alison Sayer, CEO of Halas Homes, said: “We’re really grateful that two local people are running the London Marathon to support the work which we do.

“The money that both James and Andy are raising will go towards the refurbishment of our day centre which needs to be redeveloped to better suit the needs of our users.

“We often have people taking part in dancing and drama at the same time as others doing quiet activities. So we would like to install a partition wall which will divide the large room - separating the activities.

“The partition will also give us the option of keeping it as a large room for when we need the extra space.”

To sponsor James and donate to Halas Homes visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/jamesmorrishrr.

Alison hopes the charity will have the new partition, as well as new a new stage and lighting in place by the end of this year.