MARATHON RESPONSE BY MOORS
SOLIHULL MOORS chairman Darryl Eales says he has been bowled over by the community’s support in helping to raise over £25,000 through the Moors 4’s initiative.
Over 50 people – including Eales, first-team boss Jimmy Shan and fans’ favourite Darren Carter – took on the challenge to run or walk four miles every four hours for 24 hours last weekend.
Moors 4’s was the brainchild of Shan who wanted to raise money for the NHS Charities Together, to thank frontline staff for their work during the coronavirus pandemic.
Eales threw his support behind the idea but did not expect such wholesale backing from the local community, admitting he had been blown away by the response.
“It has been absolutely incredible,” he said. “Jimmy came up with the idea only a couple of weeks ago so the generosity of people has been absolutely fantastic.
“The amount of money we have raised is simply amazing, we owe a massive thanks to everyone who has contributed.
“Moors is nothing if it’s not a community club and helping
community has always been something we have majored on.
“But actions speak louder than words. Lots of people have been using the lockdown to get fitter, so Moors 4’s just seemed right and it allowed everyone to get involved.”
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However, the NHS were not the only beneficiaries of Moors’ fundraising efforts, the Village of Forgiveness – a lesser known charity close to Eales’ heart – also benefitted.
Eales is a trustee of the Village, having worked on projects overseas but he is now focused on something much closer to home, rejuvenating the area of Chelmsley Wood, close to Solihull on the outskirts of Birmingham.
“The charity focuses on building sustainable communities for largely excluded people,” said Eales.
“It’s aimed at helping those locked into a lifestyle that they can’t get out of.
“We have provided housing and education in Lesotho, Afthe rica and in the Middle East, so why not here?
“And I am pleased to say the walk has accelerated our plans for Chelmsley Wood. Many people who sponsored me said they would love to get involved.
“It means hopefully we will be able to get started on it sooner. The first step is to find a 10acre site in the area, land which the council will retain.
“It’s a charitable venture, we will obviously need fundraising but people donating their time and skills will be just as important.”