Marathon bid for trust funds
IT WAS marathon effort for a well-loved charity when a team of runners got together to raise money.
Five runners took part in the London Marathon in aid of the Rossendale Trust, a charity located on Hollin Lane in Sutton.
The charity supports adults with learning disabilities and relies on fundraising and donations to continue its work.
Each year the charity enjoys support from runners who decide to complete the London Marathon and collect sponsorship for the trust.
This year the trust has received more than £3,000 from the five runners who completed the race to raise funds.
Those running for the Trust were Phil Haines, who completed the course in 3 hrs 4 minutes, Ross Marriott who finished in 3hrs 24 minutes, Phil Damerell in 4hrs 25 minutes and Janice Atkins in 4hrs 42mins. The fifth runner was Rossendale’s own Karl Downing, who finished his first marathon in 4hrs 41 minutes.
Karl works for the Trust as a carer, and this was his first attempt at distance running.
He worked hard to get in shape for the race and said that his training secret was among other things to give up chicken pies.
The money will be used to fund the expansion and upgrade of the horticulture scheme at Rossendale Hall. This is a project which the tenants contribute to each day.
Steve Nichols, chief executive of Rossendale Trust who attended the event, said: “What a marathon achievement for the trust.
“It was a great honour to be in London to share this experience.
“Kenya and Ethiopia may have taken the medals but the rewards gained from our runners’ dedication and generosity cannot be surpassed.
“They all deserve medals.”
The Rossendale Trust has been established for more than 40 years and provides supported living care and support to 58 adults with learning and physical disabilities.