10 Oct 2025, 11:18SM CommunicationsSt. Andrews, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom
Dundee Father and Son Make Their Half Marathon Count for Others
Turning a personal challenge into meaningful impact, a Dundee father and son ran 21.3 km to raise funds for ADRA and CHAS.
Earlier this year, one Dundee father and son celebrated family in a way that reached far beyond themselves — by running a half marathon to raise funds for charities of their choice.
In June, Bankole Davies-Browne, a trustee of the Scottish Mission and member of the Dundee church, laced up his running shoes alongside his son, Jonas, to take on a 21.3 km run from Cupar to St Andrews. Davies-Browne completed the race in 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 29 seconds, raising around £500 to support Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) projects around the world.
Given the demands of his work as a mental health professional, running serves for Davies-Browne both as a passion and a way to care for his own wellbeing. His half marathon preparation was part of this ongoing routine, typically covering 20 km a week in 5 km runs, complemented by gym exercises to keep his legs strong.
Despite his preparation, the race still presented challenges. “The main challenge I faced was physical fatigue,” Davies-Browne admitted. “But what kept me going was seeing Jonas up ahead — it gave me motivation. I kept reminding myself that I wasn’t doing this for me, but for a good cause.”
The most memorable moment came as he neared the finish line. “Crossing the 21 km mark on a stunning, sunlit Sunday was unforgettable — made all the more meaningful because it was Father’s Day,” Davies-Browne shared. “Being reunited with my son and reconnecting with friends who had run the distance too made it feel like more than just a run; it was a celebration of love, connection, strength, and joy.”
Davies-Browne’s passion for ADRA began in his teenage years in Sierra Leone, where he first joined ingathering efforts soon after joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
He continued supporting ADRA when he moved to the UK to study at Newbold College. Reflecting on those days, he said, “Those days at Newbold were special. I remember going out to the pubs with some of our lecturers for ingathering, and then coming back to hot chocolate and pizza. Those memories remind me of the joy and community spirit behind the work we were doing.”
After moving to Scotland, Davies-Browne continued to support ADRA through church initiatives such as ingathering and the Shoebox Appeal in Dundee. However, these activities came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led him to find new ways to continue his fundraising. He began taking on projects like running and swimming, combining his passions with a purpose.
For him, supporting ADRA is about living out a deep faith commitment. “ADRA’s work means a great deal to me, especially their focus on education and supporting communities in developing countries,” he said. “What inspires me most is ADRA’s embodiment of Jesus’ message in Matthew 25:40–45 — where He teaches that when we care for the ‘least of these,’ we are serving Him directly. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, or clothing those in need, these are not just good deeds; they are acts of love and faith. Supporting ADRA allows me to live out that calling — to serve others, and in doing so, to serve Christ.”
Whether it’s taking on a personal challenge, joining a community project, or offering small acts of kindness, there are many ways to support those facing challenges.
To learn more about ADRA or to get involved, visit adra.org.uk.
Turning a personal challenge into meaningful impact, a Dundee father and son ran 21.3 km to raise funds for ADRA and CHAS.
Earlier this year, one Dundee father and son celebrated family in a way that reached far beyond themselves — by running a half marathon to raise funds for charities of their choice.
In June, Bankole Davies-Browne, a trustee of the Scottish Mission and member of the Dundee church, laced up his running shoes alongside his son, Jonas, to take on a 21.3 km run from Cupar to St Andrews. Davies-Browne completed the race in 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 29 seconds, raising around £500 to support Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) projects around the world.
Given the demands of his work as a mental health professional, running serves for Davies-Browne both as a passion and a way to care for his own wellbeing. His half marathon preparation was part of this ongoing routine, typically covering 20 km a week in 5 km runs, complemented by gym exercises to keep his legs strong.
Despite his preparation, the race still presented challenges. “The main challenge I faced was physical fatigue,” Davies-Browne admitted. “But what kept me going was seeing Jonas up ahead — it gave me motivation. I kept reminding myself that I wasn’t doing this for me, but for a good cause.”
The most memorable moment came as he neared the finish line. “Crossing the 21 km mark on a stunning, sunlit Sunday was unforgettable — made all the more meaningful because it was Father’s Day,” Davies-Browne shared. “Being reunited with my son and reconnecting with friends who had run the distance too made it feel like more than just a run; it was a celebration of love, connection, strength, and joy.”
Davies-Browne’s passion for ADRA began in his teenage years in Sierra Leone, where he first joined ingathering efforts soon after joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
He continued supporting ADRA when he moved to the UK to study at Newbold College. Reflecting on those days, he said, “Those days at Newbold were special. I remember going out to the pubs with some of our lecturers for ingathering, and then coming back to hot chocolate and pizza. Those memories remind me of the joy and community spirit behind the work we were doing.”
After moving to Scotland, Davies-Browne continued to support ADRA through church initiatives such as ingathering and the Shoebox Appeal in Dundee. However, these activities came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led him to find new ways to continue his fundraising. He began taking on projects like running and swimming, combining his passions with a purpose.
For him, supporting ADRA is about living out a deep faith commitment. “ADRA’s work means a great deal to me, especially their focus on education and supporting communities in developing countries,” he said. “What inspires me most is ADRA’s embodiment of Jesus’ message in Matthew 25:40–45 — where He teaches that when we care for the ‘least of these,’ we are serving Him directly. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, or clothing those in need, these are not just good deeds; they are acts of love and faith. Supporting ADRA allows me to live out that calling — to serve others, and in doing so, to serve Christ.”
Whether it’s taking on a personal challenge, joining a community project, or offering small acts of kindness, there are many ways to support those facing challenges.
To learn more about ADRA or to get involved, visit adra.org.uk.
