We raised over ?2,500!!
Sunday 3rd May 2009
A very big thank you to Team St Loye's who raised over
£2,500
by collectively running
900 miles
in the 25th Anniversary Great West Run!
Thank you to everone for their generous donations and
Ivor Doble for sponsoring our running vests!
CHARITY TEAM GIVES ST LOYE’S FOUNDATION A
‘GREAT WEST RUN’ FOR ITS MONEY!
Team St Loye's got off to a flying start in the 25th anniversary Great West Run at Exeter Arena on Sunday 3rd May. Team St Loye’s made up of 11 St Loye's staff, trainees and supporters including the charity’s own Chief Executive, Chris Knee went the extra mile by raising over £2,500 for the charity, smashing their £1000 target!
Helen Trebble, Events Coordinator said: "This was a huge challenge for a number of our team runners who have never done this before. The hard work they have invested in training for the run and the dedication required to pound the streets and steep hills of Exeter on behalf of the charity deserved every penny of your sponsorship!"
Team St Loye’s quotes:
Melanie Wall, External Programmes Coordinator, who has never run before, began her training by scheduling it around her working day at St Loye’s and running between the new offices at Brittany House and the old Topsham Road site. Following a shopping trip to Ironbridge Runner in Exeter for new running shoes to replace her 25 year old trainers, Melanie now feels she is able to run faster and further than she’d hoped! Melanie said:” I have toyed with the idea of running a marathon in the past but have always worked full-time and have 3 children which kept me busy when I was younger. Now I am 47 and have just started running and am wondering if I am nuts!”
She continued: All the hard work and training is worth it though. St Loye’s Foundation really does make a huge difference to the lives of people who otherwise might not have access to training, education and the world of work. I mostly admire the team of staff here who are all genuinely motivated to helping others improve their prospects. Through the public’s support either by running and raising money for us or simply sponsoring us, we can continue to help move others out of the benefit system with all the negativity that it carries and into a brighter, more positive future”.
Hannah Richards, Trainee Administrator at St Loye’s Foundation who is also running for the first time added: “I am really proud to be running on behalf of the charity I work for. St Loye’s Foundation is a lifeline to many adults with disabilities. Until coming here few have the opportunity to find employment either through lack of skills or confidence. St Loye’s Foundation provides support for the trainee along their entire journey and I hope people sponsor our team in the Great West Run to ensure the charity continues to change the lives of adults who really want our help.”
Fiona Peterson, St Loye’s Foundation Admissions Administrator agreed: “I’m running for St Loye’s Foundation because I believe in the organisation. The vision and goals of the company are fantastic and I want to be able to do my part to help more people achieve their employment and ambitions. The Great West Run is also an ambition of mine and I’m looking forward to getting out there, raising lots of money and gaining my own personal sense of achievement.”
Lesley Payne, the charity’s Finance Officer has entered 5K fun runs in the past and having recently celebrated her 50th birthday is now looking forward to the challenge of her first half marathon and competing against her husband who has run twice before. "I am running because I believe in what the charity stands for and the difference it makes to people’s lives. The confidence our trainees get from learning a trade and achieving the qualifications to go out and find a job they enjoy to support them and their family is invaluable. I believe that local people have always been interested in St. Loyes Foundation and I think that by doing this run we will bring attention to the fact that the charity is still here and still needs the support of the local community."
Kerry Weatherburn, Trusts Fundraiser has worked for the charity for 8 and a half years claimed: “I’ve never so much as run a bath before!” However through tremendous support from her colleagues and Pete Hardy at South West Military Fitness she is progressing well with her training and summed up by saying: “Having been at St Loye’s for so long I truly believe that what we do makes a difference, I've seen it for myself. Training is difficult, but the charity motivates me to push myself hard. I really feel I can do this!”