Board member hits the ground running with purpose

More than $10,000 has been raised for community housing provider Believe Housing Australia after board member Amanda Heyworth and her son Sam participated in the Leeds 10K in the United Kingdom in June.

Amanda, who joined the Anglicare SA Housing Ltd Board this year, was among more than six thousand participants in the annual event, which was founded by her late school friend Jane Tomlinson almost 20 years ago and has only grown in popularity since.

The money raised will go directly to Believe Housing Australia’s programs and services, including tenancy support. Amanda and Sam covered their own costs to attend the race.

Amanda said she was pleased to have raised more than the original target of $10,000.

“I am pleased that Believe Housing Australia can put it to good use,” she said.

The decision to fundraise stemmed from Amanda and Sam’s own experiences working in the housing sector. Amanda has served on boards for multiple housing providers in both the profit and not-for-profit sectors, while Sam is a civil engineer constructing new homes.

“Community housing is under enormous pressure with so many people in acute need, and that is important because safe, affordable housing is the foundation of a good life,” Amanda said.

“If you do not have secure housing, it affects your health, social connection, employment, and so many other things.”

Amanda said completing the Leeds 10K had been a personal goal of hers for many years.

“It had long been an ambition of mine to take part,” Amanda said.

“However, work commitments, injuries, and Covid-19 got in the way.”

“If Jane were alive today, she would be giving me a hard time about taking 19 years to get to the start line, especially without doing something for charity.”

She said standing at the starting line was a moment of reflection.

“Standing with six and a half thousand other people and to see my friend’s name is on their banners, their T-shirts, on their race numbers – it gives you pause,” she said.

“It reminded me of how much I miss her, but also how much she achieved – she had extraordinary determination. It was a very memorable moment.”

Believe Housing Australia Executive General Manager, Housing Services, Stacey Northover, said Amanda and Sam’s fundraising efforts were much appreciated and would help the organisation continue its mission of providing safe, suitable, and affordable homes for South Australians.

“Amanda and Sam’s dedication is a beautiful reflection of what Believe Housing Australia stands for – compassion, community, and action,” Stacey said.

“By running the Leeds 10K and raising more than $10,000, they have helped us continue to deliver vital services and housing for those who need it most. Their support is deeply appreciated, and it will bring real hope to the people we serve.”

Believe Housing Australia thanks Amanda and Sam for championing our cause, and to our supporters who donated.

If you would like to support Believe Housing Australia, you can donate here.

Jane Tomlinson’s impact

Amanda’s late friend Jane was an English athlete, and just 36 when, in 2000, she received the news that she had incurable breast cancer.

Originally given just six months to live, Jane defied her diagnosis and lived for another seven years, fundraising more than £1.85 million ($3.8 million AUD) for charity. She and her husband, Mike, also founded the Jane Tomlinson Appeal and Run For All events, a charity that organises 30 events a year across the United Kingdom, including the Leeds 10K, all of which raise money for good causes.

To date, the charity has raised more than £10 million ($20 million AUD).