Adeniké Adewale, star of the Whitney Houston musical ‘Queen of The Night’, is swapping the spotlight for the starting line to take part in her first-ever London Marathon, running in support of CAFOD.
As an ambassador for CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, Adeniké joins 36 other runners taking on the London Marathon on 27 April while raising essential funds for the international aid charity, dedicated to addressing poverty and humanitarian crises overseas.
Adeniké said:
“I’m excited and slightly terrified to be running the London Marathon. But I love stepping out of my comfort zone, especially for a cause that makes a difference, and running for CAFOD is a great way to do that. From emergency food packages, to helping those who have been forced to leave their homes, CAFOD is always there in a crisis. I am so honoured to be an ambassador for the charity.”
Currently touring the UK as Whitney Houston, in ‘Queen of The Night', Adeniké is balancing her training with a demanding performance schedule, including performing on stage less than 12 hours before the start, with just enough time to catch some sleep in between!
Adeniké added:
“It is going to be an intense weekend, running the London Marathon will be the toughest physical challenge of my life, but I have the support of all members of the band so all will be good. Balancing training with a hectic tour schedule is a challenge, but it's going well.”
Adeniké is no stranger to commitment. A 'Voice UK' finalist under will.i.am, she holds a black belt in taekwondo and juggles her Whitney Houston tour alongside her full-time job in the Judicial Office. She also volunteers in her parish as a youth leader and has inspired many, including at Wembley for the Flame festival, where she debuted her new single ‘My Crown’.
“My favourite place to run is in nature, in the early morning. I often use it as a time of reflection - especially in this time of Lent - to enjoy the quietness of the world, which is a lovely contrast to the noise and bright lights on stage.”
Christine Allen, Director of CAFOD, said:
“We are delighted to have Adeniké and so many others running the London Marathon for us this year. What an amazing experience. We wish them all the best in their training, and on the day. A better world needs all of us, and every penny they raise will make a difference to communities facing poverty, injustice and the effects of climate change. Everyone at CAFOD will be cheering them on, to reach their goals and cross the finish line.”
For a chance to sponsor Adeniké go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/adenike-runs-the-marathon-for-cafod
Notes to editors
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
Rosalind Mayfield, CAFOD Media Officer
+44 (0)7856 799169
Jo Rogers
+44 (0)7969 083371
CAFOD’s out-of-hours media line
+44 (0)7919 301429
CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas Internationalis, working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice, including those worst hit by climate change. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality.