Former Devon Royal Marine named JustGiving Awards finalist after 232-mile run

Barry Gray, 52, ran the entire length of the River Thames, from its source in the Cotswolds to the sea at Southend, raising more than £50,000 for Only A Pavement Away.

The charity supports people who are facing or experiencing homelessness by helping them move into meaningful employment in the hospitality industry.

Barry’s fundraising was driven by a desire to support people who have fallen on difficult times and help create routes back into stability, independence and employment.

He said the issue of homelessness had become impossible to ignore through his work and the people he had encountered. Since leaving the Royal Marines, Barry has become a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London, where he says he has seen the realities of homelessness first-hand.

Barry said: “I’m incredibly proud and humbled to be named a finalist in the JustGiving Awards. This challenge pushed me further than I’ve ever been pushed before, physically, mentally and emotionally, but that is nothing compared to the daily reality faced by people sleeping rough, including veterans who once served their country.

“Since becoming a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London, I’ve seen the reality of homelessness first-hand, and I wanted to do something that would make a difference. Raising this money for Only A Pavement Away means we can help more people rebuild their lives, regain their independence and access meaningful employment. To have people connect with the challenge, support the cause and now see it recognised in this way is truly heartwarming.”

Barry is one of 16 people shortlisted as finalists in this year’s JustGiving Awards.

Entrants had to have used JustGiving to raise money for a charity or personal cause during the previous 12 months. An internal judging panel at JustGiving selected four finalists in each of four categories: Mind Over Miles, Social for Good, Rising Star and Outstanding Commitment.

Pascale Harvie, President and General Manager of JustGiving, said: "The JustGiving Awards celebrate the remarkable people who turn compassion into action. Every finalist has shown what is possible when you step up for a cause you care deeply about whether that is through personal resilience, community spirit or an extraordinary challenge.

“Barry’s achievement is a powerful example of that. Running 232 miles along the River Thames in just 75 hours is an extraordinary feat of endurance, but what makes it even more inspiring is the reason behind it, raising more than £50,000 to help people experiencing homelessness, including veterans, rebuild their lives through the work of Only A Pavement Away. Barry’s determination, compassion and commitment to making a real difference are exactly what these awards are all about, and we’re incredibly proud to recognise him as a finalist.”

The JustGiving Awards aim to celebrate people who have raised money for causes close to their hearts, acknowledging and rewarding both individual achievements and the wider impact of fundraising.

The winners will be honoured with a unique JustGiving Awards experience celebrating their fundraising achievements and the difference they have made.

Winners will be chosen by public vote. Voting opened on Wednesday 12 August and closes on Sunday 13 September.

To vote for the winners of this year’s JustGiving Awards, visit: https://page.justgiving.com/justgiving-awards-vote