Bernie steps up to raise awareness and funds for Caritas

If the Great Manchester Run last weekend inspired you to get moving, or if you’re looking to put yourself to the test with a new challenge, then why not join Team Caritas?

Here, Bernie, one of our fabulous supporters, tells us more about his experience and why he’d encourage you to get involved too…

Can you please tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a manager for PAS Sound Engineering Ltd., who are industrial sound and communications engineers.  Part of our work is within places of worship which, being a practising Catholic, is always nice to be involved with churches and to see what is going on.  I am a parishioner of St. Bernadette’s RC Church in Whitfield – and yes I look after their sound system too!

I like to run socially and I’m also on the core team organising Heaton Park parkrun every Saturday morning.  I also run with other groups including Run Together Whitefield, Radcliffe and Heaton Park.  Running is a great way to meet friends, and also to get more people to hear about Caritas Salford.

You’re a great cheerleader for our charity, thank you!  Why did you choose to run and raise money for us, and to recruit lots of your fellow runners too? 

I first heard about Caritas Salford from our parish priest at the time, who  was the episcopal vicar for social responsibility, which included Caritas.  I ran the Manchester 10k to raise awareness and funds for your charity.

Then, quite a few years later, I decided to run the Manchester 10k again raising money and awareness for Caritas.  One thing lead to another, and I ran the Manchester Half Marathon in October 2024.  That time I had also persuaded a running colleague, Caroline, to run with me, which she gladly did (being a supporter of Caritas with her parish of Our Lady of Grace, Prestwich).

This year myself, Caroline and another eight runners have taken on the Manchester Half Marathon again for Caritas. These other running friends have seen our efforts before, and when asked about running for the charity, already knew a bit about the work that Caritas Salford does from our efforts, so it made the persuading easy work.

What do they make of your enthusiasm? 

My running friends and also my fellow parishioners of St. Michael & St. Bernadette’s church know that I like to raise vital funds to help others who are not as fortunate as we are.  But it is not all about money (although money does help), raising awareness about Caritas Salford as a charity and what you do is also very important.

What is it about the charity’s work that means so much to you?

It’s great the way Caritas looks out for people who are in need, be it financial, homelessness, supporting families with education (from young to older people), crisis support, accessibility etc – nobody is exempt from help.

What would you say to other individuals looking for a charity to raise money for?  Why should they choose Caritas Salford?

Doing an event might push people a bit, but that is a small sacrifice, compared to what other people have to go through.

The fundraising team will support you every step of the way (maybe not literally if running!) but they are always at the end of the phone or email to assist you in your fundraising and also everything else to do with events or activities too.

It is always great to support a local charity where you can see the results throughout our diocese.

If you think that fundraising will be hard, it is not – sponsors always will help people less fortunate than themselves.  Even in hard times for all, people will find some spare funds for a donation.

It is very rewarding to know that your small piece of the jigsaw is helping complete the bigger picture to help others.

And the support that Caritas Salford gives to people using their services, volunteers and fundraisers is second to none!

For more information, to sign up for a place in a run like Bernie, or take on another challenge or activity, visit www.caritassalford.org.uk/EveryStep or have a look at the range of activities on offer at: www.caritassalford.org.uk/TeamCaritas

You can also get in touch with the fundraising team if you have any ideas or need further inspiration by emailing: fundraising@caritassalford.org.uk