On Sunday, 13th October, ten brilliant people challenged themselves to run the Royal Parks Half Marathon, to raise vital funds for Women and Children First. What’s more, the charity is on the look-out for people to join its biggest team yet at the 2020 race.
Together, the team of runners are on course to raise over £10,000, which will help empower women worldwide to overcome their health problems and survive and thrive.
The team members included Lindsey Williams, who says, “As someone who works with babies, children and Mums in this country, it means a great deal to me to be able to support those around the world who need our help even more.”
Claire Rosato-Scott also has a close connection with the cause, adding, “My baby’s birth was far from ideal. If we had been living in a country without the amazing healthcare that we received, our story may have had a very different ending.”
Freya Costello has a different type of connection – her father, Professor Anthony Costello, founded the charity. Freya adds, “My dad started the charity around our kitchen table and it has since gone from strength to strength. I’m hoping to raise money to help them save the lives of mothers and babies around the world.”
Other members of the team included Suky Arneaud, who ran the race on her birthday. She was joined by a fellow colleague from The Busworks Business Community, John Regan. The other members of the team included Lydia Hughes, Nina Job, Kym Rawlings, Amelia Robinson and the charity’s Treasurer, Laura Bessell.
See our race day photos on our Instagram account >
They followed in the footsteps of actress Jennifer Kirby, best known for playing Nurse Valerie Dyer on Call the Midwife. Earlier in the year she ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon for the charity, raising over £2,300. On the race day she said, “Women and Children First is a really great charity. They set up women’s health groups in the poorest parts of Asia and Africa to help women survive and thrive through their pregnancy.”
Mark Mina, the charity’s Fundraising Manager, says “Women and Children First thank all our wonderful runners for their hard work training and preparing for this brilliant race. The sponsorship given to them by friends and family will help us support even more mothers and their babies.”
“The charity is planning to have even more runners take part in 2020’s race. The Royal Parks is one of the most popular half marathons around, taking place in beautiful scenery on a flat, fast course that makes it ideal for first time runners.
“Moreover, the charity will give everyone running for us great training and fundraising support. The team and I will be cheering you all the way!”
To pre-register your interest for the 2020 Royal Parks Half Marathon, email m.mina@womenandchildrenfirst.org.uk or call the office on 020 7700 6309.
For other opportunities to get involved and support the charity, you can sign up to receive email updates.