GB runner backs new challenge to raise funds for Naomi House & Jacksplace
New virtual event encourages supporters to run 105 miles in March for the children's hospice
Run 4 Respite is a brand new distance challenge which will take place virtually in March.
The idea is to run 105 miles and raise ÂŁ105 for charity, which is enough to fund 5 hours' worth of vital specialist care for the region's life limited and life threatened children and young adults.
The event has been backed by renowned Great Britain long distance runner and friend of the charity Naomi Mitchell and has the slogan "Make Your Miles Count."
She said:
"I am getting involved with Run 4 Respite this March to help raise much needed funds for Naomi House & Jacksplace, as they continue to provide critical services, for free. It's so important that all children and young people have access to support networks and the care they need, especially during this period, where so much of our lives are restricted."
WHY IS RESPITE CARE SO IMPORTANT?
Respite care gives families the chance to regroup, to relax and to rebalance family life.
Naomi House & Jacksplace offers 24 hour respite care for the whole family with the care continuing for as long as a family needs it.
Naomi House & Jacksplace like many charities have been been struggling to raise crucial funds during the Covid -19 pandemic with many of its traditional events having to be cancelled.
The charity needs to raise ÂŁ9.2 million each year but receives less than 11% of its income from statutory sources, meaning that the vast majority of its income comes from the generous donations of individuals, groups and companies.
Charlotte Patrick, Events Fundraiser for Naomi House & Jacksplace,commented:
"We are thrilled to launch this new, exciting and agile challenge, which can be completed during lockdown, on a treadmill or in a local park! We are hoping it will raise much needed funds, as well as awareness of what we do here at the hospices."
The Royston Group are the official supporters for Run 4 Respite. Sam Cheesman, HR Manager at the company said:
"We're excited to be forging a relationship with Naomi House & Jacksplace this March, having successfully supported the charity's London Marathon and Virtual Santa Run in the last 12 months. We strongly believe in the valuable work that Naomi House & Jacksplace do, and recognise that Run 4 Respite is the ideal event for us, as we have a strong team of willing volunteers with big hearts to take up the challenge and hopefully exceed the set target!"
HOW TO SIGN UP
Run 4 Respite is free to join, with the commitment of fundraising ÂŁ105 per participant.
Once signed up, participants are added to 'Team Naomi', Naomi House & Jacksplace's running group, and will receive all of the benefits of being a part of this group, including virtual assistance, training support and training plans from the charity's partner, Nick Anderson, GB Coach and Founder of 'Running with Us'.
To sign up to Run 4 Respite, visit: www.naomihouse.org.uk/run4respite or for more information, contact Charlotte at Naomi House & Jacksplace by emailing: charlotte@naomihouse.org.uk or calling: 01962 760060.