Paisley runners give toddlers a grand time
Couple run half marathon and raise £1,000 for group
A Paisley couple pulled on their running shoes to raise nearly £ 1,000 for their son’s preschool group.
Alexis and Graham Evans ran the Alloa Half Marathon to raise cash for Barshaw Toddlers group and managed to collect hundreds of pounds for the group their two-year-old son Finlay attends.
The community-run project relies heavily on the fundraising of parents and staff, and Alexis hopes the money raised will help staff improve the learning and development of all the children.
Alexis, 31, told the Paisley Daily Express that the pair felt they needed to do their bit for the group that helped Finlay and his big brother Alexander, who is now eight.
She said: “The toddler group is close to our hearts as it’s a small communityrun group that relies heavily on fundraising. The girls who run it have worked tirelessly over the years to raise funds and we wanted to do give something back.”
But she admits getting hubby, mobile salesman Graham, 36, to join her was the first hurdle she faced.
She added: “I’ve been running for the last year or so, and I have been pestering Graham to join me. He finally gave in and came out with me in January which was great.
“We did the Alloa Half Marathon together last week which was great fun, and we raised just about £1,000 for the group in the process.
“We hope the money can go towards helping staff further develop the learning and play environment for the children. I’m delighted we were able to get them so much.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their support. Everyone has been so generous. We have been quite overwhelmed by the support.”
The staff at Barshaw Toddlers, which is based in Sherwood Church Hall in Glasgow Road, Paisley, arre delighted with the contribution saying it will go a long way.
Margaret Little, the group’s play manager, said: “We are over the moon at the amount of money Alexis and Graham have raised.
“We can’t thank them enough. We will be able to start buying proper glue and things instead of going to the pound shop.
“The money will really allow us to do more things with the children and help them develop their skills.”