Lancaster charity workers, alongside veterans, have run thirty kilometres in this summer’s searing heat to help ex-military personnel in need, just months after their charity hub opened…
“We wanted to raise both money and awareness of our charity hub Sharpe’s Café,” explains Hub Coordinator Della Clark. “I needed motivation to get back into running and our Support Coordinator Gary Parish, a regular football player, wanted to train for his first half marathon. The hardest race was the Morecambe 10km as the sea breeze, although refreshing on a sunny day, felt like it was pushing us back!”
The team completed the Bay Gateway, the Morecambe 10km along the promenade, and the Pilling 10km sporting the charity’s Stress Down Day T-shirts. Their charity café customers were also there to cheer them on. As well as raising money, their endeavours have encouraged some local veterans to join in and run for the first time in years.
“We’re so extraordinarily proud of Della and Gary for their amazing efforts,” adds Dorinda Wolfe Murray, founder of FirstLight Trust. “Every penny raised will go towards our work helping veterans find their feet in civilian life, be that through counselling, activities, debt advice, cutting through red tape or just a chat.”
The dynamic duo’s next challenge is leading a relay team in a 100 mile run on Remembrance Sunday marking the centenary of the end of World War I. Runners will be made up of the Lancaster café’s staff, veterans and customers. Sponsorship can be made here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/della-gary
