KIND supporters of Rugby’s homelessness charity have helped to boost its coffers by over £14,000.
Last month, 13 people ran the 13.2-mile London Landmarks Half Marathon to raise over £9,100 for Hope4.
Adi Robinson, manager of the charity’s Hope Centre in Newbold Road, said: “This was a new fundraising venture for us. We decided to enter the ballot for places and invest in paying the entrance fee.
“We were so delighted that, via our social media campaign, we quickly had so many willing runners who dedicated an incredible amount of time training and fundraising for us.
“Their combined fundraising total of over £9,100 is truly wonderful and far exceeded our expectations.”
Some of the runners gathered at the Hope Centre for a post-run celebration, a well-deserved glass of fizz and a slice of cake – with Mayor Maggie O’Rourke presenting certificates.
Mayor Maggie O’Rourke (centre right) presented her cheque to Hope4’s Chair of Trustees Diana Mansell (centre left).
The Mayor has also been raising funds for the charity in memory of her late husband.
Following the untimely death of Brendon O’Rourke just before Christmas, the Mayor set up a fund-raising page for Hope4 in his name – as the couple had been huge supporters of the charity.
The fund-raising page and several other events over the last few months have raised over £5,170.
Hope4’s Chair of Trustees Diana Mansell said: “I was so shocked and saddened to hear about Brendan’s passing, and know how much he is missed by so many.
“I am so grateful to Maggie for her support setting up this fund in his memory. It has been supported by so many from far and wide.
“Maggie has been a huge champion of Hope4 and has often come to our events. She really understands just why the Hope Centre is needed and how much it serves the town.”
It costs around £550 a day to keep the Hope Centre’s doors open.
Last year the Hope Centre worked with over 190 individuals, helping them on their journey out of homelessness – 20 per cent more than the previous year.
The Centre provides advice on housing and a holistic range of services including clothing, food, showers, physical and mental health services, life skills, English for Speakers of Other Languages lessons, and job applications.
Hope4 has entered the ballot for next year’s London Landmarks Half Marathon. Anyone interested in running for Hope4 next year can contact the Hope Centre.
Visit www.hope4.org.uk for contact details, information on the charity, and to volunteer or donate.
