Team Coin Street takes on the Big Half 2026

Meet Richard

Richard joined Coin Street in May 2025 and is part of our Leadership Team. As Director of Asset Management, he leads the teams responsible for our buildings and the commercial activity that generates income to support our community work.

He first came across Coin Street while asking himself a big question: what would the best community centre in the world look like? While searching for answers, he discovered us and was drawn to our unique mix of community purpose and long-term stewardship of the neighbourhood.

When it comes to running, Richard admits he's still figuring out whether he's a runner at heart.

“Hang on, are we supposed to be running?” he jokes. “I missed that bit. The Big Half is what I usually go for when offered cake. I think I've made a mistake here.”

"Truth be told, I've been trying to get into running for about 20 years,” he said. “I don't mind running after footballs, buses or my kids, but running for the sake of running has never been on my enjoyment list.”

So what persuaded him to take on The Big Half? For Richard, supporting older adults is deeply personal.

“The welfare and social vitality of our elders is a topic close to my heart. I have ageing parents, aunties and uncles, and I can see first-hand the importance of social interaction and engagement. Later stages of life can throw up some challenging circumstances which can leave even the most social people feeling isolated. The impact on mental and physical wellbeing is profound.”

His understanding of community has grown over time, particularly since becoming a parent of three.

“Community has become a central pillar of my existence. I could not exist without it.”

That belief is also shaped by people like his Auntie Maureen, a retired teacher who is now almost 90 years old. For decades, she helped older people in her local area stay connected by arranging lifts, collecting groceries and organising coffee mornings.

“In a cruel twist of fate, all the people she once supported have passed on and now she's suffering because there is no one in the locality to provide the same support to her when she needs it most.

We have had to relocate her away from the town she has lived in her whole life so extended family members can provide the support she needs. The deep connection she has to that place has been broken, and it is heart breaking for all concerned.”

Seeing the challenges she has faced as she has grown older reinforced for Richard why strong communities matter.

Asked what he'd most been looking forward to on race day, his answer was refreshingly honest:

“The finish line.”

His message to anyone considering supporting Coin Street is simple:

“The impact is real and directly proportionate to the level of support provided. Every pound goes straight into the community, and the people delivering the services are some of the best in the business.”

Meet Sam

Sam works at BPP University just across the road from us. We've partnered with colleagues from BPP University on a range of projects over the years, so it was fantastic to see someone from a local business step forward and join Team Coin Street.

Originally from the Midlands, Sam moved to London in 2015 and now lives in south London with his wife, baby son and golden retriever. While sport has always been part of his life, including rugby, hockey, swimming and gymnastics, The Big Half was something completely new.

“Since having our first child earlier this year, I've taken up running as my way of keeping fit while we settle into the chaos,” he said. “When I saw The Big Half advertised through work, I thought, why not set myself a challenge and help people along the way?”

Before signing up, Sam knew little about our work. What stood out to him was the difference a local organisation can make.

“I often think of charities as big organisations with national or even global reach. Seeing what Coin Street does for the local community really shows the impact a few people can make on people's lives.”

For Sam, community means knowing there are people around you when you need them.

“For those who may feel alone in a city that can sometimes feel isolating, it's amazing that people have somewhere to turn to, make connections and be themselves.”

Sam's fundraising efforts included baking homemade bread and selling it to neighbours and colleagues. Along the way, he was moved by the generosity of people who wanted to support the cause.

“I've always supported charities that mean something to me or to others. For those living or working in the South Bank area, it's amazing to see the difference your money or time can make to people in the community.”

Meet Jordan

Jordan works in our Property Team and sees first-hand the value our community activities bring to local people. Taking on The Big Half gave him the chance to support that work in a different way.

To boost his fundraising, Jordan organised a series of charity football matches across three weekends in August at the Colombo Centre pitches, inviting local people to pull on their boots and get involved.

One standout fixture saw a Coin Street team take on teams from London Marriott Hotel County Hall and Bankside Hotel. The matches raised valuable funds, but they also created new connections.

“It was great getting to meet lots of new people who were passionate about football and wanted to contribute to the charitable work Coin Street does,” said Jordan.

When it came to race day, the atmosphere made a lasting impression.

“Race day was surreal. There was such a great atmosphere, with music and people ready to run. I'll never forget running across Tower Bridge.”

For Jordan, the experience highlighted just how willing people are to get behind a good cause.

“I'd recommend leaning into fundraising around something you're passionate about and getting talking to people about ideas. People have been so generous in offering pitches, equipment and helping find people who wanted to play.”

His fundraising challenge showed that some of the best ideas start with something you're passionate about.

Thank you

A huge thank you and congratulations to Richard, Sam, Jordan, Mark, Chris and Joel for taking on this incredible challenge.

So far, you've raised a total of £3,365 for activities that help older adults build friendships, stay active and enjoy life as part of a strong local community.

Thank you to everyone who donated, helped organise the day, joined the cheer squad and supported our runners. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community.

If you would like to support by making a donation, click here.