Haileybury Muscle Warriors event raises >£6000 for Muscle Dreams!
Posted on July 29th, 2014
The stunning grounds of Haileybury College in Hertford once again played host to the 5th Annual Muscle Warrior RUN FOR THEIR LIVES 10k, 5k, 1k Wheelchair Race and 1k Superhero Family Toddle on Sunday 13th July 2014.
Almost 150 runners and their families turned out for a fantastic fun Sunday morning out which has so far raised over £6000 with funds still being received by the charity. Even the changeable British weather couldn’t dampen the energy of the runners who, after a lively warm-up from DJ Steve ‘Stoney’ Stone of EYETunes Disco, set off at a pace, with the sun shining down.
| 10K RACE RESULTS – Click Here5K RACE RESULTS – Click Here |
One of the charity’s beneficiaries 18yr-old Sanah Rauf who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA type-3) said: “I was looking on the charity’s website and I saw an upcoming event ‘RUN FOR THEIR LIVES’. So I instantly signed up for the 1k Wheelchair Race. My mum and auntie did the 5K Race. I wanted to give back to the charity, so decided to raise some money. I made a sponsorship form and got family and friends to sponsor me. They were really proud of me for doing such a good thing. I raised a total of £370!”
“The atmosphere at the event was so welcoming, positive and full with excitement. It was great to meet the Muscle Help Foundation Team once again. I was so happy because the money goes to such a special and unique charity that I love. I love what they’re doing, giving young people with muscular dystrophy amazing Muscle Dreams that they will forever remember. I think its fantastic how the goal of the charity is to give ‘657’ Muscle Dreams because of how many (approximate) muscles there are in the body – it’s truly amazing!” added Sanah.
A group of beneficiaries aged 15yrs to 21yrs (pictured below) that included Sanah (3rd from right) had the opportunity of meeting world-class rower and MHF Ambassador Tom Solesbury who competed in the men’s quadruple sculls in the London 2012 Olympics. The young people also raced around the 1k Wheelchair Circuit through the college’s magnificent quadrangle and it was Muscle Warrior Powerchair Football Team Member Jack Morrell (far right) who was fastest claiming the winning trophy.
On hand to ease any ensuing aches and pains was massage therapist, Anna from Barefoot Therapies, and energy boosting protein drinks were given out by the team at Upbeat. Sally Page of Parties with Sally had the little ones entertained with bubble machines, puppets, music and stories.
One of the charity’s key partners Ruggerbugs, led by longstanding charity advocates Andy and Tara Peasey together with some of their staff organised some fun-filled rugby games and activities for children while their mums and dads were competing. Ruggerbugs promotes a positive attitude to sport and fitness by encouraging pre-school children to participate in regular exercise from a young age. Their fundraising activities as part of the Haileybury event focused on encouraging their 16 clubs to support the charity’s 657 APPEAL; as a result, £2000 was raised for Muscle Dreams.
Michael McGrath said: “The sun shone, there was a great buzz and thanks to some 25 amazing volunteers, the event was once again a tremendous success! Most importantly, our beneficiaries came along with their families, some travelling from as far away as Worthing and Birmingham, some even bringing their dogs along – it was fantastic to see so many families enjoying themselves. And of course, I’m delighted that over £6000 has so far been raised – an outstanding outcome! This will enable our small family charity to continue to provide our transformational Muscle Dream experiences – thank you to all those who have raised funds and made donations on the day.”
“I am as ever extremely grateful to Haileybury College for once again letting us take over their grounds – and this year, I am especially appreciative to the several businesses and individuals who through their magnificent support enabled the charity for the very first time cover off 100% of the associated costs of delivering an event of this size – thank you to each and every one of you – your support means a great deal!” added McGrath.
| Special thanks to: first and foremost our growing tribe of Muscle Warrior Volunteers and especially our Charity Volunteer Coordinator (Clare Byrne), Garden House Solicitors (GHS), Ashbourne Insurance Services, Herts Chamber of Commerce, Barry, Karen & Liam O’Leary, LV= Hitchin, TASS Enterprises, Upbeat from The Good Whey Company, Vtesse Networks, Pearce’s Farm Shop & Café, Sage Ward Lettings, Cariad Marketing, EYETunes Disco, Sainsbury’s Letchworth, Sainsbury’s Hertford, Parties with Sally, Barefoot Therapies, Weaver Creative, John Fuller Associates, plus thanks to Richard Bloom (Race Director) and his team, the Vice Chairman of East Herts (Cllr Patricia Moore), The Mayor of Hertford (Chantal Geall), Charity Ambassador (Tom Solesbury). |
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