A group of almost 100 walkers stepped out to raise money for Age UK Plymouth, who support over 50s in the city with a vital range of subsidised services, activities and events.
The inaugural Age UK half marathon walk covered 11 miles from Coypool across Dartmoor and the South Hams, staking in Clearbrook Village Hall for refreshments, before heading back to Plymouth.
Marketing and communications manager Bryony Rawson said:
“A group of us in the Sahara Trek Team walked this trail earlier in the year as a chance to get to know each other. It occurred to us that as an opportunity to create a more accessible flagship fundraising event, the path lent itself perfectly to a Half Marathon Walk, especially with the village hall at the half way point.
“Our various fundraising challenges have been so well supported by so many people, but it’s really important for us to have an opportunity for those who wish to take part in an event to have an option that is more accessible, and held in the community that we support.”
Tara Dale, head of fundraising added:
“Our thanks go out to the organisations we worked with to make this event possible, the teams at National Trust Plymbridge Woods, Plymouth City Council and Clearbrook Village Hall.
“Our fundraisers ranged in age from 12 to walkers in their 70s. It was very moving to see people taking on this challenge side by side with their friends, colleagues, parents and grandparents. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you for your support.”
David Wood, Age UK Plymouth chief executive said:
“The money donated through these fundraising activities is such an important part of what keeps charities like us going.
“Unlike grants and money for specific projects, this ‘unrestricted funding’ allows us to take action on vital work with real urgency. Given the current social and economic climate, for some, the stakes have never been higher.”
Plans for the 2024 Half Marathon Walk are already being drawn up and the headline sponsorship for the event will be among items auctioned at the charity’s Fundraising Banquet which was due to take place on October 14.
