Enter Asda Foundation Pennine Lancashire 10K
Entries for the second Asda Foundation Pennine Lancashire 10K were officially opened on Monday 3rd February as it was revealed local charities are in line for a huge £10,000 boost.
The cash was raised by the face of Safestyle Windows’ famous TV adverts, Jeff Brown, who lost over 5 stone in weight to take on the event organised by Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All.
He accepted a challenge thrown down by Lancashire firm Premier Range, which pledged to donate £10,000 to the Jane Tomlinson Appeal if he completed the race. Jeff crossed the finishing line last June in 1hr 37mins.
And now the Appeal has decided to distribute the money among good causes in the Burnley area through the Big Charity Giveaway.
Local causes and projects can apply for a share of the charity pot, ranging from a couple of hundred pounds right up to £5,000.
Jeff said: “It’s fair to say I’m not a natural runner and it was quite a tough challenge to take on but, with so much money pledged, I was determined to complete the course.
“It was a great feeling to cross the finishing line and it is wonderful that the Jane Tomlinson Appeal has decided to give the money to charities in our area.”
Siobhan Curtis, Jane Tomlinson Appeal legacy manager, said: “Jeff showed great determination and commitment in training for the run and we are very proud of him for managing to complete the challenge he was set.
“It is fitting that charities in Burnley and surrounding areas will now have the opportunity to join in the Big Charity Giveaway and apply for a share of the money his efforts raised.”
The Big Charity Giveaway was unveiled at the launch of this year’s Pennine Lancashire 10K at the Gawthorpe Hall training ground of Burnley FC – who are keen supporters of the annual event.
Burnley FC manager Sean Dyche said: “We’re always pleased to be able to support events like the Pennine Lancashire 10K. The event brought everyone in Burnley together last year and we’re sure it will be another huge success in 2014 – as well as raising thousands of pounds for deserving causes.”
Last year’s debut Pennine Lancashire 10K proved a fantastic success with over 1,500 runners registering to part. And the 2014 event on Sunday 22nd June promises to be even bigger and better, still.
Starting and finishing outside the Mechanics Theatre in Manchester Road, Burnley, the run takes in three of the town’s pretty parks and landmarks, like Towneley Hall, and also travels close to Burnley FC’s Turf Moor Stadium.
Event Lead Tristan Batley-Kyle said: “Our first Pennine Lancashire 10K really seemed to capture people’s imagination. Spectators and competitors turned out in force to create a great atmosphere.
“We are really looking forward to this year’s event which should be quite an occasion.”
The Pennine Lancashire 10K is sponsored by the Asda Foundation, Burnley Borough Council, the Burnley Express and 2BR.
Asda Foundation Manager Julie Ward said: “The Pennine Lancashire 10K was a huge hit last year with the whole town – and even further afield – embracing the event. The Asda Foundation is very keen to support grass roots events like this that bring such a boost to their local communities.”
Meanwhile, Councillor John Harbour, Burnley Council’s Executive Member for Leisure and Culture said: “The first Pennine Lancashire 10K in Burnley last year was such a fantastic success, we’re really looking forward to the event in June this year.
“It was wonderful to see so many people getting involved to raise money for local and national charities, and we’re sure that this year we’ll get even more runners taking part, to raise money, or just to be part of a great day for all the community.
“Runners from out of the borough were very positive about the route and Burnley’s fantastic countryside. We’re looking forward to more people coming to see what we have to offer.”
Entrants in the Pennine Lancashire 10K can run for a personal challenge, for fun or for charity. They are encouraged to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts, but especially one of the event’s official partner charities: Pendleside Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, Derian House Children’s Hospice, Sue Ryder, Yorkshire Cancer Research and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.
Kaye Bartle, Fundraising Manager at Pendleside Hospice, said: “We are delighted to be a involved as a partner charity with the Pennine Lancashire 10K. The route takes in some of the most beautiful areas of Burnley and is a great boost to the town. In 2013 we had over 300 runners taking part for Pendleside who between them have raised over £21,000 and it was great to see the sea of yellow T-shirts in the crowd at the start of the race. This year we are hoping that even more people will take up the challenge and raise funds for their local hospice so that the money they raise will help people in their community.”
Andy Pierce, Events Manager at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “We are delighted to be one of the official charities of the Pennine Lancashire 10k once again this year. Supporting Yorkshire Cancer Research by taking part in these events is a great way to make a difference to help us to continue our work within the region helping Yorkshire people avoid, survive and cope with cancer”.
Fiona Chilton, Senior Events Manager at Sue Ryder, said: “We are so pleased that Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice is one of the official charity partners for the Pennine Lancashire 10K in 2014. We’re asking people to make this year incredible by signing up and raising money for Sue Ryder. At some point in our lives we will all lose a loved one, Sue Ryder is there for patients and their families at this difficult time. You can either sign up for your own place or apply for one of our charity places. Can we count on your support?”
Joe McDermott, Challenge Events Programme Manager, said: “Macmillan Cancer Support is proud to be partner charity in the Pennine Lancashire 10K. Team Macmillan runners raised £7,000 in 2013, helping Macmillan to supply vital services to the 29 people in Lancashire and Cumbria who are diagnosed with cancer every day.”
For more information and to enter, visit www.runforall.com.
Ends
Notes for editors
Run For All is part of Jane Tomlinson’s lasting legacy. Jane Tomlinson CBE raised £1.85m for children’s and cancer charities before her death from cancer aged just 43 in 2007. She made headlines across the world by competing in a series of epic endurance challenges from the London Marathon, ironman and triathlon competitions, to a 4,200 mile cycle ride across the width of the USA – despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer.
Her family, through the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, are now on course to take that total to £5m in her memory.
For more information the Run For All press office on 0113 826 7764 or email
More about the Big Charity Giveaway
Organisations have until March 14th to apply for a grant under the Big Charity Giveaway.
Groups applying must have charitable status and the bid should be for a specific project – not general running costs. Applications will be particularly welcomed from charities working with children or people with cancer – although, of course, all will be considered. Applications – limited to one per organisation – can be submitted for up to £5,000. There is no minimum amount. Once applications close, a panel including Jeff Brown will determine the applications.
The successful applicants will be announced in April.
For more information on the giveaway, go to www.janetomlinsonappeal.com