Running to defend the defenders!
Samantha-Rose Parvin interviews Bevis Gillett - the octogenarian marathon runner inspired by PBI’s support for human rights defenders
80 year old Bevis Gillett ran the London Marathon for Peace Brigades International (PBI) last week, raising just over £3,500 (so far) and finishing with a time of 4 hours and 39 minutes - the fastest in his age group. I had an inspiring conversation with him to learn more about this experience, his motivation and his enduring dedication to supporting human rights defenders.
How did the marathon go?
It went better than I expected, maybe because PBI inspired me! I prepared well and the biggest thing the London Marathon organisers emphasised was to not undertake any last minute training. This was great advice and I felt good from the start as I didn’t have to get any last minute practice in.
You’re 80 years old. What were people’s reactions when you told them you were running the marathon?
They said good luck! One or two people were a bit surprised that at my age, I’m running a marathon. I found it quite extraordinary that out of 40,000 people only 21 were in my age group, it really surprised me.
What were the highs and lows of race day?
I’ve run a couple of half marathons this year so when I got to 13 or 14 miles I thought “when am I going to hit the wall?” but that never really happened. If there were a highlight, it would be that I got to around 15 miles and I was fine. The downside was getting cramps 4 miles before the finish line.
What kept you going when things got difficult throughout the training and the marathon itself?
I did think about Peace Brigades and I felt privileged that I was running for PBI. It was an incredible coincidence that the marathon was held on the International Day of Nonviolence, which is based on the fact that it was the day that Gandhi was born, but my mother was also born on that day, which made me feel quite emotional. Maybe all of that together put me in the right emotional space I needed to be in. It quite moved me that all of these things coincided on the 2nd October, the day I was doing the run.
With so many great causes out there, why did you choose to fundraise for PBI?
I’m quite emotional about this. I was very touched by the bravery of the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó in Colombia who faced terrible incursions from what are basically terrorist groups, and the army, and they had sworn to remain nonviolent. I thought they showed unbelievable courage, and it made me feel quite touched. [PBI has provided protective accompaniment to the Peace Community since their foundation in 1997].
What is the most important aspect of PBI’s work for you?
It’s the accompaniment of the human rights defenders in different contexts. I don’t know whether any PBI representative has ever been thrown into prison, but they have to be fairly brave to go and stand with the defenders. I get a sense that it’s their belief in what they’re doing that gives them their bravery. They are standard bearers of good principles and ethics; helping people who are in less fortunate positions than themselves. The people they are accompanying and protecting are incredibly courageous.
What is your message to the human rights defenders who PBI supports?
This might sound corny, but it’s a great privilege to run the marathon to support people like them and I'm still trying to fundraise further.
What’s your message to anyone thinking of supporting PBI as a volunteer, supporter or fundraiser like you?
Whatever role you can play, go for it! In whatever way you feel you can make a contribution. I’ve had an incredible experience interacting with PBI - it’s an outstanding NGO. Being at the marathon made me realise that charities are so important and support so many people, whether at home or abroad, who are suffering one way or another. It made me feel very lucky.
Will we see you at next year’s marathon?
I think I’ll give it a miss! As for the following year… one never knows.
Bevis set himself the ambitious target of raising £12,000 for PBI’s work, and he is determined to get as close to it as possible! His fundraising page is still live, so, if you can support him, please do! These vital funds will go directly to supporting threatened human rights defenders. Those supported include Indigenous communities fighting for the health of spiritual lands, women seeking an end to gender-based violence, and peace communities resisting paramilitary presence in their land. Each day, these human rights defenders speak out for the rights of others. Each day they risk their livelihoods, their liberty and - in many cases - their lives. Join us in standing with them.
To help Bevis reach his target and support human rights defenders at risk, click here!
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