A woman who once found herself homeless and sleeping in her car is now preparing to take on the London Marathon in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for the charity she says helped save her life.
Siobhan Westerman, 38 from North Devon, said she became homeless in November 2022 after trusting “the wrong people”, leaving her cold, frightened and with nowhere to turn.
She said Encompass Southwest gave her more than emergency accommodation, helping her process what had happened, keep herself safe and find her current home.
Siobhan is now due to run the London Marathon on Sunday, April 26 in support of Encompass Southwest and its new project, a dedicated women’s centre in Barnstaple. The day and date format follows the supplied calendar and house style guidance.
She said: “In November 2022, I became homeless. It was the most destabilising, frightening moment of my life – and I did not know where to turn.
“Encompass Southwest were there when no one else was. They gave me more than a roof over my head. They gave me safety, dignity, and the support I needed to rebuild my life.
“I will never be able to repay them – but this is my way of giving something back.”
Siobhan said she had no previous running experience but decided to apply when she saw the charity was looking for a fundraising marathon runner.
She said: “I’ve never been a runner. It’s not a passion or a hobby – but this cause is.
“So I’ve signed up to run 26.2 miles to raise vital funds for Encompass Southwest and their new project: a dedicated Women’s Centre in Barnstaple.”
According to the fundraising appeal, the centre would provide a safe and warm space for women experiencing crisis, including those facing homelessness, domestic abuse or needing practical support.
Siobhan said Encompass Southwest is working with North Devon Against Domestic Abuse on the project and described the partnership as powerful.
The charity is seeking £20,000 to make the centre a reality. Siobhan said she has committed to raising at least £2,500, with a personal target of £5,000.
She is also dedicating her run to the memory of Emma Bray.
Siobhan said: “Emma dedicated her life to helping people. She supported me through Encompass and empowered me to be the woman I am today.”
Appealing for donations, she added: “Please donate – big if you can, little if you must. Every pound helps create a future where women in crisis have a safe place to land, just like I did.”
