From New Parent to 13.1 Miles: A Run for a Special Welcome

Venkatesh Vishnu Anirudh is organizing this fundraiser to benefit MA Centre UK.

Hello everyone,

On Sunday, 28 September 2025, I'm taking on a challenge that feels almost impossible right now. Just a few months after welcoming our beautiful baby this June, and having not run a race in over seven years, I'll be running a half-marathon (13.1 miles / 21.1km) in the picturesque Cotswolds.

Honestly, between the sleepless nights and the beautiful chaos of being a new parent, intense training was the last thing on my mind. But the reason I'm pushing myself to these limits is incredibly special.

So, why now? Why push myself to these limits at this exact time?

The reason is incredibly special. This year, for the first time since 2019, Amma is returning to London. After a long absence due to the pandemic, her visit is a profound moment for thousands. Her presence inspires a wave of compassion and service, and I feel a deep calling to go the extra mile—literally—to do my bit and honour this occasion.

This run is my personal offering to support her work and honour this occasion.

Many of you know Amma as a global humanitarian whose life is a message of selfless love and service. This is put into action through the charity network, Embracing the World [link]. Right here in London, volunteers inspired by Amma work tirelessly to support on numerous fronts - supporting the vulnerable in our community, promoting initiatives for mental and physical wellbeing and being a comforting presence for those in need. These initiatives are carried out via Amma's community centre in London, MA Centre UK [link].

In a moment of incredible timing, the race falls on the day after Amma's birthday, making this my humble offering to celebrate her life of service.

Every challenging training run on minimal sleep is fuelled by the desire to support this work.

Our Goal: Building a Space for Community

Amma's multi-day programmes are a tremendous gift, offered completely free of charge so that everyone, regardless of background, can attend. To make this possible, we need a space. Your donation helps build the very foundation for this landmark event.

The funds from this run are dedicated to one crucial goal: helping to cover the substantial cost of hiring a London venue large enough for the thousands who will gather.

As this is my first time fundraising and there is just about a month left until race day, I am starting with a humble target of £500. Reaching this would be amazing, but any amount we raise beyond it will be a massive encouragement for me on the run and a wonderful testament to our collective generosity.

How Your Support Makes a Difference

By sponsoring my run, you are directly helping to create the physical space where compassion and community can flourish. Every donation is a massive source of motivation for me.

£10 could help power the event, contributing to the essential lighting and sound that make the programme accessible for all.
£25 could help secure the vast, welcoming hall for a period of time, ensuring thousands have a peaceful place to gather.
£50 or more makes you a cornerstone supporter, helping to ensure the doors can remain open and free for everyone who wishes to come.

Your support won't just get me over the finish line; it will help open the doors to this unforgettable welcome. Any amount you can give will make a huge difference and will be a massive source of motivation for me as I juggle my new role as a parent along with my training schedule.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for your incredible generosity.

With deepest gratitude,

Vishnu