News Round Up – We’ve been Busy!
A message to our supporters
As the current “lockdown” draws to an end , we thought it was an appropriate time to bring you up to date with what’s been happening over the last few months. First of all a massive thank you to everyone who has donated. Whether that has been in support of a fundraiser, via one of the lockdown events or an ad hoc donation, you have made everything we have achieved possible.
Our main event was the FLF virtual relay for Southend area running clubs, which was a great success with 390 runners raising c£2,200. Southend AC were the narrow winners from Leigh on Sea Striders and Pitsea RC. We awarded the winners a portable defibrillator for them to have available at their run meets etc.
At the beginning of our financial year (November 20) we set a fundraising target of £10,000 which we are close to achieving already. It was also our intention to ensure that we, at the very least, agreed enough grants to match that sum. We are delighted that we have actually surpassed that objective as we have agreed 20 grants to date totalling c£11,200. These grants have been to Running , Football, Cricket, Basketball, Fishing, & Martial Arts clubs in the South Essex area as well as to local Event organisers in support of medical facilities. We have provided funding ranging from the purchase of kit for youth teams to providing a number of new portable defibrillators. Hawkwell Junior parkrun and Meridian Kung Fu have benefitted from such.
Additionally a few weeks ago we were delighted to support Run Free Official as sponsors of their 20 team Football tournament in aid of South Essex Mind.
We have been supported by some other magnificent personal challenges. Annette de Florinier of Meridian Kung Fu Thorpe Bay did a virtual cycle in the Southend area, which was the equivalent of the distance from Westcliff to Ben Nevis. Julia Elston of Flyers Southend is running 53 miles during July in memory of her father. Between them they have raised over £1000.
We are grateful to a number of runners who are taking part in this October’s London Marathon and are raising funds for us. We will keep you posted on their efforts.
Thanks again for your support, we can’t do it without you. Looking forward, Covid restrictions allowing, we have three quizzes planned and don’t forget our Chairman will be completing his fundraising challenge!
Thanks once more for your support and please continue to do so!
The Trustees
Sifu Annette”
