Mohamed Ewasha, 76, from Willesden Green, will be running the London Marathon on Sunday 27 April. This will be the third marathon he’s run since 2018 to raise money for Independent Age, a national charity that supports older people living in financial hardship. He is one of seven people running for the charity in this year’s race.

Mohamed has taken on three marathons and twelve half-marathons since turning 70. Over the years he has raised thousands for the older people’s charity, this year he is hoping to hit his target of £3,000: https://tinyurl.com/4bjhp5cj

A black cab driver for over 42 years, Mohamed raises awareness of the charity whenever he can, he refers many of his older customers and neighbours to Independent Age for information and support. He has been recognised for his charity work by his local MP Dawn Butler who nominated him for an award that he went on to win at the 2023 Parliamentary Taxi and Private Hire Driver Awards.

When asked why he chose to fundraise for Independent Age, Mohamed said:

“I first heard of Independent Age years ago chatting to my neighbours at the retirement home, several have been helped by the charity in different ways. It was an easy decision choosing them as my charity for that first London Marathon as they do brilliant work supporting older people like me. I’m so glad to be running for them again, the staff have been so helpful and welcoming over the years.”

With recent cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment and rising utility costs, more older people are need of Independent Age’s support than ever. Recent statistics show that 1.9 million older people are now living in poverty.

When ask about his training and fundraising efforts Mohamed explained:

“Fundraising is a lot harder than running for me. One useful source of fundraising is my passengers. During my daily work, I put a poster in the cab advertising my running and fundraising for Independent Age. I know people don’t have a lot of money at the moment but if you are able to donate it would be going to an important cause.”

Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age, said:

“Thank you, Mohamed, for choosing to support our charity yet again. Your continued and consistent efforts to support those facing financial hardship in later life is outstanding. All of us at Independent Age will be cheering you on.

“Nearly two million older people currently live in poverty in the UK and this is predicted to double by 2040 if nothing changes. We won’t stop fighting to end poverty in later life and we couldn’t do this without fundraisers like Mohamed.”

Independent Age is the national charity focused on fighting poverty in later life. Their helpline and expert advisors offer free, practical support to older people struggling with their finances. Their grants programme supports hundreds of local organisations working directly with older people across the UK. They use the knowledge and insight gained from their support services and partnerships to highlight the issues experienced by older people in poverty and campaign for change.