by Joe Dale

NewsJuly 22, 20190 comments

The London Marathon 2020

The 2020 London Marathon

Philip, Neil, Linda, Jenny, Roy and Liz, are running the 2020 London Marathon on behalf of Calvert Trust Exmoor.

They are each entering the marathon for the first time and have generously decided to sponsor Calvert Trust Exmoor, a charity who provide life-changing opportunities for those with disabilities.

On 13^th September the runners met at the Calvert centre to discuss their motivation, training and fundraising plans whilst enjoying drinks and the views of Wistlandpound Reservoir.

Philip, who lives in Croyde, said: “I feel extremely lucky to participate in an event that is on many bucket lists. Doing it for a cause makes it even sweeter. Everyone should have the opportunity to be active. In my mind, physical health is essential for mental health. Helping Calvert fulfil their mission is a blessing.”

Neil, from Barnstaple, said he is “very excited and honoured to have been given the opportunity to support the wonderful work done at Calvert Trust Exmoor.” He will be getting his children involved with fundraising, adding that they will be hosting family cycle rides and walks alongside bingo and quiz nights.

Linda, when asked how she felt when offered a marathon place, expressed that she will be running for her step-dad, who has always supported her. “My stomach did a few turns and my hands were shaking! I couldn’t believe I finally had a London Marathon place. It’s been on my bucket list for years.”

Jenny, who plans to raise money by hosting a ‘new to you’ clothes sale plus raffles and craft shows, has been trying to enter the marathon for 15 years. “I was so happy that finally I had got a place. It had been my one dream to one day run and finally it has come true” she said.

Roy, of Chittlehampton, added that he was quite simply “over the moon” to be running the marathon and raising money for a good cause.

Liz, also from Croyde, said she has had an “excellent working relationship with Calvert Trust Exmoor over many years and I love the excellent support they give to its service users and their families. I’ve always wanted to run the London Marathon and am thrilled to be running for such a worthwhile charity.”

We’ll be keeping you up to date with their progress every step of the way!

The 2019 London Marathon

On the 28th April 2019, 6 runners tackled the 26.2 miles on behalf of Calvert Trust Exmoor. Thanks to Jo, Nicholas, Jessica, David, Brandon and Colin for raising over £9000 – which we’re aiming to improve on in 2020.

In the build-up, the group fundraising through bingo sessions, sponsored treadmill runs, musical evenings, cake sales, and they collected money from work colleagues.

On the day itself, everyone had high spirits. Jo was caught on camera giving a wave, showing lots of enthusiasm…

Here’s Jess, holding her much deserved medal after crossing the finishing line…

Plus Jo celebrating with hers after doing everyone proud. She raised over £2000 via a Justgiving page…

Colin, who entered through a Ballot place, decided to fundraise for the charity and trained by running around our reservoir…

And finally, Nick who also raised over £2000…

Jess had the following to say about the experience…

“This is the first time I have got really involved with charity work and supporting Calvert Trust Exmoor has been such an amazing and rewarding experience. The support they have given me with my fundraising has been incredible and I would just like to say thank you to the team for this. I have been invited up to the centre a few times and I can really see where the money that has been raised is needed and how important it is. Running the London Marathon has been one of the best experience I have ever done and the hard work has been worth it for this amazing charity.”

Whilst Jo added…

“It was such a privilege to run the London Marathon for a fantastic local charity, seeing the amazing work they do really inspired me to put my heart and soul into training and fundraising. The support was lovely, they came to all our events and kept us updated with news about the marathon.”