We would like to say a huge thank you to Running Bear Alderly Edge for sending fabulous trainers to each of our Couch to 5K companions Michelle, Angela, Shaun and Paul for cost price, as well as free running vests and socks for everyone.

A very special thanks goes to Jordanna from Running Bear, who did their gait analysis before embarking on the Couch to 5K challenge. Jordanna made each companion feel really special and sent hand written notes to them all.

Michelle, Angela, Shaun and Paul have all experienced homelessness and are doing Couch to 5K to raise money for Emmaus South Wales.

It costs Emmaus South Wales approximately £150 per week for each companion supported. Paul, Michelle, Shaun, and Angela hope to raise enough to cover 30 days of support for the Emmaus South Wales community to help their fellow companions, as well as new companions joining the community.

Emmaus South Wales supports people who have been homeless or socially excluded by providing a home with no time limit, the opportunity to gain work experience in a social enterprise, daily support and funded training. Every companion has their own room and access to shared communal spaces, with all living expenses covered and a weekly allowance on top of this.

If you would like to support Michelle, Angela, Paul and Shaun by making a donation, visit their Just Giving page or designated Couch to 5K fundraising page on the Emmaus South Wales website.

So far, the running group have completed their first run of the programme and are ready to go again on Wednesday 24 March: