Organisers of the 2020 Marlow “Virtually Real” Santa’s Fun Run have revealed the final fundraising total – and it was a staggering £26,895.36 to be distributed to mainly local charities
Like so many other activities the 2020 Marlow Santas Fun Run – run in the week before Xmas – suffered from the uncertainty of our times. However the generosity of entrants and supporters remained fully intact – and indeed was clearly greater than ever before.
The organisers – the Rotary Clubs of Marlow – normally expect the event to raise around £17 per entrant for charity. This year – despite all of the challenges – they can reveal that an incredible £30 plus per entrant was raised – resulting in proceeds to be distributed to mainly local charities of £26,895.36.
Much of the money is already on it’s way to the charities concerned – and the lead charities (Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice and Carers Bucks) will share well over £6,000. It is estimated that another 30 charities – mainly small and local – will also benefit over the coming months. Indeed many charities entered teams and saw the event as a unique opportunity to organise their own fundraising around it.
One example was the Marlow Opportunity Playgroup (MOP) where at least 4 teams entered and put together a great fundraising effort. The charity which provides pre-school opportunities for children with very challenging needs, will shortly receive just under £2,500.
Another example is Remap – a charity that helps disabled people of all ages to live more independent lives. The Charity will receive over £600 as a result of a team entry and sponsorship, Derek Jones of Remap – who organised the team – said: “Our network of skilled volunteers design and custom-build equipment free of charge – providing solutions to everyday problems when there is nothing commercially available. Our expert volunteers respond to many local requests every year and the money raised through the Fun Run will help us to provide the raw materials needed to produce these tailor-made solutions”.
Remap volunteers love a challenge and as an example have helped Chloe (pictured) – who has Cerabral Palsy and is unable to walk. Her wish was to be able to ride like her sister – so Remap designed and made a special support for Chloe that keeps her safe and in control of the horse – yet promotes the use of her core muscles. The picture shows a very happy Chloe riding a horse – thanks to the support provided by Remap. A charity that the entrants to the 2020 Marlow Santas Fun Run are clearly able to help.
John Prout, Chair of the Marlow Santa’s Fun Run Organising Committee, said “We are absolutely delighted with the amount of money raised – a staggering sum given the circumstances. Entrants, supporters and our sponsors have been very generous indeed. The local Rotary Clubs are pretty good at raising money – our task now is to transfer this money to the chosen charities. They are the experts in their field – and our small help will hopefully help them to continue delivering their very special services.”
The date for the 2021 event is confirmed as Sunday 5th December, and the website for entries will open on September 1st 2021. John added: “Hopefully life will be more like normal by December – and perhaps we will see a sea of red make its way up Marlow High Street on a December Sunday morning. Hope to see you there!”
