To celebrate his 50th birthday, a man from Swindon has challenged himself to complete 50 acts of kindness for a handful of chosen charities.
Robert Sainsbury, 49, has called his efforts ‘50 cheers for 50 years’, and plans to donate to a number of London charities, including Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and Swindon Reach Inclusive Arts.
Sainsbury will be getting involved in a number of activities including Shelter’s ‘Walk For Home’, London’s winter half marathon, and even baking cakes, in order to reach his goal in time for his September birthday.
He said: “It’s my year of madness. I turn 50 this year, and I thought what a great way to end my 40s and welcome my 50s by doing 50 different things – I love anything different or unusual and anything quirky!
“I was with a friend in his garden, chatting, and I just thought it would be really great to do something memorable, something special… So I selected 5 charities that all connect to my life.”
@nelliejourno I published an article about Robert and thought it would be cool to share his interview he gave with me on here! we need more of his energy in the world⭐️ #studentjournalist #journalism #charityevent ♬ sonido original – Nellie ~ journalism
With the half marathon being act number 13, he is slowly but surely making a dent in his to-do list before the big 50.
One of Robert’s main chosen charities, GOSH, is especially close to his heart as Robert was born with a dislocated hip, a condition that caused him to spend a great majority of his childhood in and out of hospital.
He said: “Whether it was my leg, my arm or falling out of a tree; I was a calamity joe!
“So I thought- I will recognise GOSH.”
Another of Robert’s chosen charities, Swindon RIA, is one that provides an artistic outlet for people with disabilities or additional needs, recognising the importance the arts hold in helping people.
As a musician himself, he felt it was important to support the arts and help RIA continue to provide others with the confidence that music had given him as a child.
Sainsbury also spoke about his love for animals, his vegetarianism, and his adopted dog Chewy that he adopted from Bath Cats and Dogs home, another charity set to benefit from his 50 acts.
Robert has also supported Shelter through their London Walk For Home in efforts to recognise the long-standing housing crisis and the role that domestic violence plays in homelessness.
He said: “We don’t realise how fortunate we are to have a home.
“This is my opportunity to give back to somebody who really needs big help!”
Featured image credit: Robert Sainsbury
