Cherry Tree Nursery Team Member Paul Watson successfully ran a half-marathon in aid of a new supported housing charity – and smashed his target of raising £1,000.
Paul, who is in recovery from addiction and has been part of the Cherry Tree team for seven years, successfully completed more than 13 miles in the ‘Run Bournemouth Marathon’ on 11 October 2025 to raise funds for Harbour of Hope Housing, a new charity that will support people who are experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness or struggling with addiction.
Run Bournemouth took participants along the spectacular Dorset coastline, past Boscombe and Bournemouth Piers. Taking place in autumn allowed runners to train over the summer in preparation of the big event.
Paul said: “Over five years ago, I spent six months in rehab, recovering from addiction and after completing my treatment I needed somewhere to live. The rehab had supported housing and I believe it was the anchor that kept me steady in my own recovery journey, preventing me from going back to my old life.
“Stable, supported housing gave me a fresh start and the opportunity of a brighter future. That’s why raising money for this new charity, Harbour of Hope Housing, is so close to my heart. Thanks to the support I was given, I’m now living a life beyond my wildest dreams. Now I want to give back so that others have the same opportunity to find hope, stability and a brighter future,” Paul added.
Harbour of Hope Housing was founded by Keeley Adams and is looking to establish and furnish its first supported housing project in the BCP area.
Having successfully raised funds for the fledgling charity, Paul is now considering signing up for next spring’s Bay Run – another half-marathon – in aid of Plants and Minds, the charity that runs Cherry Tree Nursery in Bournemouth and Chestnut Nursery in Poole.
Anyone who would like to donate to Paul’s fund-raiser for Harbour of Hope Housing can do so securely via his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/keeley-adams-1