Member Article

Coventry runner moves mountains to fundraise for charity

A Coventry runner is moving mountains to raise funds for a local children’s hospice after being inspired by the charitable efforts of his colleagues.

Richard Marrs, customer service manager at Coventry Sports Foundation, is scaling new heights to take on the Mont Blanc Cross Mountain Trail Race in the French Alps, in aid of children’s charity Zoe’s Place.

The challenge, which will take place on Saturday, June 25, will see Richard compete against 1,500 other runners to race 13 miles to the finishing line - an impressive 2,500m above sea level.

It will be the third time the 59-year-old has taken on the race after having competed in bitter snow in 2013, and blistering 35 degree heat last year - which almost left Richard dehydrated after his two litre water supply ran dry.

Unsurprisingly Richard said he is hoping for colder weather when he competes this year.

“We English tend to thrive in the colder weather so I’ve got my fingers crossed for some wind and rain, which will hopefully help me finish within my target time of 3 hours and 20 minutes,” he said.

“There are lots of ‘ups’ and not many ‘downs’ to get to the finishing line so it’ll certainly be a challenge, but the training I have been doing at Coventry Sports Foundation venues as well as in the Brecon Beacons is helping me prepare.”

All donations Richard receives will be added to the funds raised by six of his Coventry Sports Foundation colleagues, who recently took on an epic cycle challenge from Coventry to Newquay, which will then be given to Zoe’s Place.

The hospice, in Ash Green, provides palliative, respite and end-of-life care to babies and infants aged from birth to five years old suffering from life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Richard added: “The achievements of the Xcel Leisure Centre team who cycled 300 miles in just 72 hours was so remarkable that it encouraged me to take on my own challenge – although it had to be running, I don’t know how they managed all the cycling!

“Their challenge so far has raised over £6,000 for Zoe’s Place which is such a great local cause and relies on public support – so any money I raise will go towards the team’s £10,000 target.”

Raffaella Tentindo, who is responsible for the Corporate Social Responsibility policy at Coventry Sports Foundation, said: “As a Coventry sporting charity, supporting the community and other charities is among the Foundation’s top priorities.

“Although a fantastic local cause and valued resource for families across Coventry and Warwickshire, Zoe’s Place receives no government funding which means it is entirely reliant on the goodwill of the public.

“We are delighted that members of our own team are therefore taking on their own mammoth fitness challenges to fundraise for the hospice and I’m sure their support will be gratefully received.”

Those who wish to support Richard’s cause and donate can do so by visiting: http://www.justgiving.com/richard-marrs1.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .