Huddersfield Police Officers Take on Manchester Marathon for Domestic Abuse Charity
Two dedicated local fundraisers from Huddersfield are gearing up to tackle the highly challenging Manchester Marathon on April 19, all in support of the Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership (PDAP). PC John Dean and DC Thomas Halton, who both work within the Kirklees Domestic Abuse team at Huddersfield Police Station, aim to raise as much money as possible for this specialist charity, which provides invaluable support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
Supporting a Vital Local Cause
The PDAP offers high-quality specialist support, advice, information, and safe accommodation to anyone affected by or experiencing domestic abuse. As an inclusive, responsive, caring, and non-judgmental organization, the charity plays a crucial role in the local community, having supported over 1,600 victims in the past year alone.
Personal Journeys to the Marathon
For PC John Dean, running the marathon seemed like an impossible task not long ago. When he began training, he admits he was very unfit and had not run for over a decade. He shared, "The hardest part for me was starting. I bought the clothing, but I really found the thought of putting my running shoes on for the first time very tough! It was well known within the office that I had signed up and that I had not attempted any sort of a run."
In July, John downloaded the Runna app, which offers running programs ranging from expert to complete novice. He started with the novice couch to 5k program and, after committing fully to his training and pushing himself beyond his comfort zone both physically and mentally, he is now just two weeks away from completing his marathon training, having recently run 33 kilometers (20 miles).
In contrast, DC Thomas Halton is a former professional footballer who played for Halifax, Huddersfield, and York City, making him already very fit. He is often seen running around his home village and is aiming for a sub-three-hour marathon, which would be a highly impressive achievement.
A Shared Commitment to the Cause
John explained, "Both of us are going to give it our absolute all. We have worked within the domestic abuse arena for over 10 years between us, and throughout that time, we have seen firsthand the incredible work that PDAP does for victims of domestic abuse. Any money raised is going towards a bespoke build of a domestic refuge for families fleeing domestic violence, and we can’t think of a more worthy cause to support."
He added, "Any donations at all would mean the world to us and the charity and would be hugely appreciated." With an initial fundraising target of £2,000, John and Tom are nearing their goal and hope to push their fundraising efforts as far as possible.
Creating Homes, Not Just Housing
Naomi Morrison, PDAP CEO, emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "This project will offer more than temporary accommodation; it will deliver six stable, welcoming homes where survivors can begin to recover from trauma and regain their independence. For many people leaving abusive situations, the impact of that trauma can make accessing traditional accommodation difficult."
She continued, "These new homes are designed to offer a more flexible and accessible option, particularly for those with complex needs who require a calmer, more supportive environment in which to heal. We are so grateful for John and Tom’s support—their efforts highlight the importance of community support in creating life-changing opportunities for survivors."
Naomi added, "The vision for the project is simple but powerful: to create homes, not just housing. Each property will provide a safe place where someone can begin to rebuild their life, regain confidence, and move forward after the trauma of abuse. With the support of efforts like the marathon challenge, these six properties will become spaces of hope, places where survivors in Kirklees can feel secure, rebuild their futures, and truly feel at home again."
Donations of any size can help the charity continue delivering life-changing experiences for people in Kirklees who need them most. The charity serves locations including Batley, Birstall, Cleckheaton, Dewsbury, Heckmondwike, Holmfirth, Huddersfield, Meltham, Mirfield, and Slaithwaite.
