Quick feet help out a good cause in Syria
A group of local runners put their best foot forward to help Christian Aid recently.
Around 140 runners, joggers and walkers gathered in Overtoun Park for a fun run, with all the money raised going towards the charity’s work in Syria.
The race was the brainchild of parishioners at Stonelaw Parish and Rutherglen United Reformed Church, who were keen to do something different to earn funds - and their efforts landed £1,320 for the good cause.
One of the organisers, Jean McKenzie, said: “I’m delighted to say that the day went really well and everyone seemed to enjoy it.
“We had lots of people signing up in the last ten days and Overtoun Park was buzzing on the Sunday afternoon, between all the families who had come to enjoy Grow73’s Big Lunch and our 140 runners, joggers and walkers of all ages.
“Quite a few participated in both! Our 1K and 5K events were strictly for fun, and credit goes to everyone who completed his or her personal challenge in very warm conditions.”
Jean, who came up with fun run idea with pals Jill Rennie and Rhona Robertson, thanked many people for their support.
She added: “We are very grateful to the many volunteers who helped on the day, whether as marshals, with setting up, checking the runners in or serving teas; to Friends of Overtoun Park who gave us tremendous support, not only on the day but in lending us equipment and with our planning; to Lucy Kirkland, events fundraising officer at Christian Aid Scotland who has been very encouraging and helpful; to Lynn Semple and Grow 73 for welcoming the idea of sharing the park on Sunday; to Mrs Hannah Russell of Quigley’s Hall and to Mr Damian Fletcher, our First Aider, who fortunately was not kept too busy!
“We are also deeply grateful to Tesco’s Burnside and Dalmarnock branches who generously provided bottled water and a banana for every participant and to Tunnocks who donated Caramel Wafers for everyone who took part.
“Finally, we must thank the many local supporters who have given generously towards our fundraising, and to everyone who entered the event and made it such an enjoyable day.
“Thanks to all these kind people, we have been able to run our event on a tiny budget and have so far raised an amazing £1,320 for Christian Aids’s work supporting the people of Syria.”
Working with their partners in Syria, Lebanon and Iraq, Christian Aid are giving support to some of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees, from psychological assistance to helping children with their education and simply providing hot meals.
“Overtoun Park was buzzing on the Sunday afternoon, credit goes to everyone”