Marshalling Support for Local Charity
Who fancies a day out in Plymouth this April: the sun sparkling off a beautiful sea; the fantastic character of the Hoe; the Barbican; the gorgeous grounds of the stunning Saltram House and the other historic highlights that Plymouth has to offer? Sounds like a nice day out, doesn’t it? Well, while you’re there how about helping the Torbay Holiday Helpers Network (THHN) raise some much needed money by sparing a few hours on Sunday 27th April to either run in, or marshal at, the Plymouth Half Marathon?
The THHN gives free holidays to families who have seriously ill and bereaved children, recently bereaved families, couples who have lost a child and to families who have a terminally ill parent. The THHN is a network of hotels, guest houses, attractions and other businesses who all work with the charity to provide these holidays, but they are currently raising money to build a bungalow for those families who have high-level care needs and who are not able to use the accommodation currently on offer.
Luke Tillen, Founder and Chairman of the THHN said: “The Plymouth Half Marathon is such a wonderful event, taking in some incredible scenery, and we are delighted that the THHN is an affiliated charity for 2014. The running team at the THHN has developed over time and we now have around 20 people who regularly run in events for us. We welcome runners of all abilities and we are in a position to provide help with training and advice to any newcomers. We have a forum that they can belong to and we provide goody bags and free running tops, thanks to our sponsors. We are a really friendly bunch and would be absolutely thrilled to hear from anyone who would like to join the team for this or any of our running events.”
He added: “Of course, these events take a huge amount of organising and that’s why we are also on the lookout for people who would be prepared to marshal at this particular event. Each marshal is given an area and the role is to ensure that the runners stay on the correct route as they pass, and help out where necessary. It’s just as important to provide marshals as it is runners. As with any event, it’s a team effort and without all those who help organise things the event simply wouldn’t happen.”
The charity is keen to hear from individuals as well as groups who might be interested. Luke says that often people get together with work colleagues or challenge friends to get involved and find that being part of such a unit can be enormously rewarding as well as a lot of fun.
Luke and the team need as many volunteer marshals as possible and anyone who wants to offer their services or simply have a chat to find out more is asked to telephone 01803 325152 or e-mail [email protected].
These events really do form a vital part of the THHN fundraising campaign that is currently underway. For example, the THHN team that took part in the Great West Run in Exeter last October raised over £7,000 at that event alone. So, if you think you might be able to help in any way at all or are interested in further information please do get in touch.
Registered charity number: 1146425
