CHARITIES are limbering up for one of the year’s landmark fund-raising opportunities.
A dazzling array of local and regional good causes will be represented at the start line of the 2016 Taylor Wimpey Tees Pride 10k on Sunday, September 4.
The event has helped raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities since its launch over a decade ago, and this year many of those taking part will once again do so on behalf of causes close to their hearts.
Charities are a key part of the success of both the 10k and the SABIC 3k Fun Run, and they play an important supporting role both in the build-up to the event and on the day.
This year’s lead charity for both 10k and 3k Fun Run is Teesside Hospice which is hoping to field a bumper team of runners and walkers.
Teesside Hospice provides specialist palliative care and support to more than 3,000 people suffering from cancer and other life limiting illnesses, and relies on donations to continue its work.
To join #TeamTeessideHospice, call 01642 811145 or email LeanneIrvine@teessidehospice.co.uk
Rachael Willmore, from Zoe’s Place, said: “Over the years that we have been involved in the event we have raised in excess of £11,000 for our hospice.
“It’s vital to our charity that events such as the 10k continue to be a success, funds raised in sponsorship from this fantastic event help our hospice to keep our doors open.
“We need your support and 10k is such an achievable distance!” Lauren Syms, North Regional Coordinator for Bloodwise (formerly Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research), said: “We are delighted to get involved with the Taylor Wimpey Tees Pride 10k and SABIC 3k Fun Run for 2016.
“Bloodwise was started back in the 1960s by the Eastwood family from Middlesbrough who sadly lost their six-year- old daughter to Leukaemia – Teesside is part of our heritage.
“We hope that by working with race organisers Everyone Active we will continue to raise awareness of blood cancers in the North East and beyond.
“We urge participants to consider supporting Bloodwise and help us in our mission to beat all 137 blood cancers.”
Liz Airey, Fundraising Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “The Tees Pride 10k is a fantastic event bringing the community together to raise funds for local charities.
“In Middlesbrough alone there are 4,400 people living with and beyond cancer. Every year 802 people are diagnosed with cancer and this number is set to rise.
“Without the support of people raising funds for Macmillan we couldn’t go on to provide the much needed support to people affected by cancer.
“It is a great pleasure to be involved with such a popular local event.” Suzi Campbell, of the South Tees Hospitals Charity, added: “Both the 10k and 3k runs provide our fundraisers with an excellent opportunity to take part in a great local sporting event whilst raising money for their local hospital as well as other great local causes.”
Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, said: “People’s determination to help others within our communities is one of the defining features of the Tees Pride 10k.
“The fund-raising element of the event helps to create a tremendous atmosphere, and there’s a real appreciation of the effort people make to raise vital funds for causes that in many cases have a real personal significance.
“Over the last 12 years a huge amount has been raised for a variety of fantastic causes, and I’m delighted to see our local charities once again turning out in force for the 2016 Tees Pride 10k.
“For their runners and walkers there’s not only the achievement of completing the course, but also of making a real difference to those in need in the process.
“They can look forward to the usual rousing reception from the crowds who line the route to cheer them on.”
For full details and entry information on the 2016 Taylor Wimpey Tees Price 10k and SABIC 3k Fun Run on Sunday, September 4 visit www.runmiddlesbrough.com, drop in to any of Middlesbrough’s Everyone Active sport and leisure venues or call 01642 200833.
Entries close on Sunday, August 28.