Playforce Marathon Run Raises Money for Local Charity
The fourteen members of Playforce staff who took part in the Nationwide Bath Half Marathon raised £2700 for the Bristol-based children’s charity Hop Skip and Jump.
Led by Playforce Managing Director Edward Webb, the group followed a training plan devised by sales consultant and former personal trainer Rosanne Gunning. Most had never run any significant distance before but, thanks to both the plan and a lot of mutual support, they all reached the finishing line.
‘Much to my surprise, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought,’ said the company’s graphic designer Mark Bishop who was running for the first time. ‘Like most of the others, I started training seriously in the new year, gradually building up both my mileage and stamina. When we reached our goal of achieving a ten mile run we knew we were ready for the event.’
The money was raised through sponsorship.
‘Friends, family and colleagues were all very supportive,’ said Mark. ‘The charity runs an excellent play and support centre for children with special needs in Bristol and we all wanted to make as much money as possible for them.’
It is the second time that staff from Playforce the UK’s premier provider of outdoor playground equipment and whom recently scooped the Wiltshire Business of the Year title, have taken part in a sponsored event for Hop Skip and Jump. Last year a team raised £5000 when they cycled 140 miles coast to coast.
‘As a company we believe that play is a crucial part of any child’s development and we wholeheartedly support the charity’s aim of providing play facilities for children with life-limiting and life-threatening illness or any special need,’ said Edward Webb. ‘Knowing that our efforts have helped even one more child have fun is worth any amount of effort and aching limbs.’
