By Beryl Pettitt, Ridgeway Marketing & Reach Volunteer

Reach is looking for 5 runners who would like to run the Virtual 2023 TCS London Marathon on 23^rd April to raise funds for the charity. The virtual marathon can be as gentle or as adventurous as you like, as you can complete the 26.2 mile distance however and wherever you wish on Sunday 23 April.

Places usually cost £30 but we are offering them free in return for minimum sponsorship of £250. The money raised will help fund courses, social activities and holidays to enable adults with learning disabilities in Nottinghamshire live life to the full.

Reach volunteer Simon Willington ran the Newark Half Marathon in August last year. He said

“I have been running for a long time, but had lost my mojo, so committing to the Newark Half Marathon really helped me get back into running longer distances. It was not easy, as it was 34 degrees so a bit on the warm side, but I raised over £800 for Reach. It is so rewarding to be able to help this worthwhile charity, and get fitter too!”

Simon, volunteering at Flower Pod Southwell

Simon is a regular volunteer at Flower Pod Southwell, Reach’s garden where clients enjoy gardening, wildlife, crafts, floristry, and other transferable skills that help people develop the confidence to live more independent lives. He has helped construct the bird hide in the new wildlife garden, compost heaps and insect hotels.

Sarah Cobb, Fundraising Officer, said

“We really appreciate the funds raised for us by supporters like Simon. It makes a real difference to the lives of our clients, and enables us to offer them activities that they would otherwise miss out on. We encourage fund raisers to ask their employers if they will match fund their fundraising, which means they only need a £125 in sponsorship.”

If you are interested in a place please contact Sarah on 01636 819066 or sarah.cobb@reachuk.org.