FROME’s family support charity Purple Elephant is looking forward to a busy year ahead and are asking the local community to join them in having fun raising funds to help provide free and low-cost services all year round.
They invite runners, would-be runners and those with New Year’s resolutions to join them in taking part in the Bath Half Marathon in March.
Purple Elephant have 10 paid-for Bath Half Marathon charity places on offer for runners for this popular event on Sunday 17th March. They invite you to apply for a place, even if you have never run before.
Leading fundraiser for the charity Sue Willis said, “Last year we had people run for us for the first time in the Bath Half and one of them Radek, dressed as an elephant for the day, had never done any running at all before! You don’t have to be a great runner; you can walk some of the course too; you just have to be enthusiastic and willing to help us raise funds for some of Frome’s most vulnerable families.”
Would-be runners of all ages and who would like to join Team Purple Elephant and grab themselves a specially printed T-shirt, can apply or ask questions through the website. Anyone already independently signed up to run but keen to also raise money for the charity, is welcome to join Team Purple Elephant too and can sign up for this option via the website.
“Already on their marks and signed up to run for Purple Elephant in the Bath Half are a police officer in their 50s entering for their very first time,” added Sue. “There is also a 30-something project manager who has already run two full marathons; a gaming enthusiast entering the race for a third time; a local Frome person who loves cycling but, apparently never runs because they ‘hate’ it but is making an exception for such a great cause; and Purple Elephant volunteer, fantastic first-time runner of last year’s event, Radek, is back on the team.
“And, fingers crossed, if you keep your eyes peeled on the day, you might even spot our favourite elephant friend out there on the route too.”
Purple Elephant would also be happy to hear from enthusiastic individuals and local organisations who do not want to run but are willing to plan and organise other fun, fundraising activities in support of the charity. Just get in touch.
After almost a decade as a Community Interest Company, Purple Elephant achieved formal charity status in 2022, allowing it to continue to grow its vital offering such as: twice weekly pre-school Stay-and-Play sessions; Small Steps early-years parenting support; adult-child 1:1 Befriending; a Toy Library; and multiple holiday activity sessions and fun events, with healthy meals provided by Fair Frome, offered to hundreds of children each school break, for referred families in need of support.
It is encouraging anyone with fundraising ideas and a sense of fun to take part in community events and have fun in 2024.
Full details of sponsor requirements and joining information for the Bath Half Marathon are on the website at www.PurpleElephant.org.uk
