Taking on the London Marathon

Raising funds for Headway Jersey

This Saturday a team of 6 runners will be on their way to London to take part in the 2011 Virgin London Marathon, raising much needed funds for Headway Jersey, the Brain Injury Association.

Following a successful appeal at the beginning of the year Headway managed to fill all the places allocated to them. Joining Mark Harris, Headway Services Manager will be Julian Box, Peter Blampied, Harry McAlinden, Jen Smith and also Mr St Helier Tom Hacquoil. Tom is a keen sportsman and will be running the marathon wearing a very amusing 7’2”  bananas in pyjamas costume.  The runners will be funding their own flights and accommodation and each have a target of £1,500 to raise for the charity. Avis very kindly sponsored the running vests

Beth Gallichan Fundraiser at Headway Jersey said “Everyone at Headway are very grateful to all the runners for taking on the marathon this Sunday.  We wish them the best of luck and hope the crowd will cheer them to the finish line”

For one of Headways team members, Mark Harris this years Virgin London Marathon marks the beginning of a year of extradinary challenges. Mark has set himself the challenge to take part in a number of gruelling marathons including this years Mont-Saint Michel Marathon in May, Greenlight round the rock Ultra Marathon in August and last by by no means least,  a personal challenge to set up and complete 7 Marathons in 7 consecutive days in the run up to this year’s Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon on Sunday 2^nd October.

When Mark was asked why he would take on such an enormous challenge he said “I’ve been part of the team at Headway for over 10 years and have known so many people who have needed help and support  following a brain injury. Our centre and services have grown so much, as have the number of people we can help. By running these marathons, I hope to raise awareness and valuable funds for Headway and to complete an amazing personal journey. To some it can appear to be madness or a mid-life crisis (probably!), but sometimes you have to push your limits just as our brain injured members have to do every day of their lives. Its not the marathons I worry about, the hardest part for me is having the confidence to ask for donations and sponsorship” 

To help Mark reach his target of £1,500 you can make a donation online at www.headway.org.je or sponsor him directly on www.justgiving.com/HeadwayMarathonMark

The London Marathon is one of the biggest running events in the world will take place this Sunday, 17 April 2011 over a course of 26.3 miles. Whilst it is a serious athletic event, with large prize money attracting elite athletes, the race attracts many club and fun runners in fancy dress often collecting money for charity. These make up the bulk of the 30,000+ runners and help to draw crowds of half a million on the streets.

This year Headway Jersey are celebrating 10 years since the opening of Headway centre and providing support locally to people who live life with a brain injury. Headway would like to encourage Islanders to set challenges for themselves in 2011 and would be happy to help support anyone who could collect sponsorship whether it is completing a marathon, parachute jump or challenge. Anyone who is interested in supporting Headway are asked to contact Beth Gallichan on 505937.

-(ends)-

For further information or a suitable time to book a photo please contact  Beth Gallichan  (Headway Fundraiser) on 505937 beth.headway@gmail.com