Last weekend's Cambridge Half Marathon was more than just a race. For CB Mentoring, it was a powerful reminder of the determination, generosity and community spirit that help drive our work supporting young people across Cambridgeshire.
Our Founder and Chair, Edwin Panford-Quainoo, reflects on watching Sean, a member of the CB Mentoring team cross the finish line after months of dedicated training to raise funds for the charity.
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“Every now and then we experience something that truly humbles us or a moment that reminds us what determination, perseverance, and the human spirit really look like.
Last weekend was one of those moments for me.
For many months, I have watched my brother, and a valued member of the CB Mentoring team, Sean, train tirelessly for the Cambridge Half Marathon. We share our fitness profiles, so I get a notification every time he finishes a workout. Over time, it became almost routine to see that familiar message appear: another run completed.
On the surface, that might not sound extraordinary. But what struck me day after day was his unwavering consistency.
Rain or shine.
Cold mornings.
Long days.
He kept going. That quiet commitment, repeated week after week over many months, was something I found incredibly inspiring.”
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All of that effort came together on Sunday as I watched him approach the finish line.
After 13.1 miles, you could see the toll the race had taken. His movement was heavy and laboured, and yet what stood out most clearly was the determination that had carried him through months of preparation.
The same resolve to reach the finish line.
And somehow, even in that moment of exhaustion, he still managed to crack a smile just before crossing it.
It was a powerful reminder of what commitment really looks like.
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What moved me just as much as Sean's journey was the spirit of the Cambridge Half Marathon itself.
Standing there in the cold, and anyone who knows me will know I'm not a fan of cold weather! I witnessed something truly uplifting.
People of all ages and abilities are pushing themselves to reach the finish line. Runners supporting one another in those final steps. Friends and family running hand in hand to the end. Strangers were cheering loudly for people they had never met.
There was a genuine sense of community.
Despite the cold air, the atmosphere was filled with warmth, encouragement and hope. It was a reminder of how powerful it can be when people come together to support one another.
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Sean took on the Cambridge Half Marathon to raise funds for CB Mentoring, helping us continue our work supporting young people across Cambridgeshire through mentoring programmes, creative learning opportunities and safe spaces where they can build confidence and develop life skills.
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“So thank you, Sean, for inspiring me.
Thank you to the organisers of the Cambridge Half Marathon for creating such an incredible moment of community.
And thank you to every single person who took part, especially those who ran to raise funds for charities like ours.
You remind us all what perseverance, generosity and community truly look like.”
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If you would like to support the work of CB Mentoring and help us continue empowering young people across Cambridgeshire, we would love to hear from you.
Whether through volunteering, partnerships or donations, every contribution helps us continue creating opportunities for the next generation.
👉 Find out more about our work: cbmentoring.co.uk
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We're so proud and humbled to have been featured on BBC News and BBC One recently, highlighting the work CB Mentoring is doing to empower young people across Cambridgeshire.
You can read the BBC article here: BBC News – Mentoring charity gives Cambridge pupils confidence to succeed
For our small but passionate team of volunteers, this moment means so much. To see the children, mentors and families we work with recognised on such a platform was both emotional and affirming, a reminder that what we do matters, and that every hour given, every conversation had, and every bit of encouragement truly makes a difference.
The BBC story captured the spirit of what CB Mentoring is all about — community, connection, and the belief that every young person deserves to feel seen, supported and capable of achieving great things.
“It was a proud moment for everyone involved,” says CB Mentoring founder Edwin Panford-Quainoo. “Our work has always been about empowering young people from underrepresented backgrounds and giving them access to the tools, mentors and opportunities that can change their futures. To have that recognised by the BBC was incredibly special.”
You can read the BBC article here: BBC News - Mentoring charity gives Cambridge pupils confidence to succeed
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This feature is a celebration of what can be achieved when a community comes together, mentors sharing their experience, volunteers giving their time, and local partners opening doors. But it's also a reminder of how much more we can do with your support.
If you've ever thought about mentoring, volunteering, or supporting a local charity, now is the time to get involved. Every extra pair of hands helps us reach more young people, expand The Bridge (Saturday School), and create more life-changing opportunities.
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Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported CB Mentoring so far, our mentors, volunteers, partners, and the families who put their trust in us. And of course, thank you to the BBC for shining a spotlight on the power of community, representation and hope. Together, we can keep inspiring the next generation — one young person at a time.
Together, we can keep inspiring the next generation — one young person at a time.
