Trust team sprints past fundraising target

TWO charities in Halton have received a £2,500 boost after a marathon effort by a team of runners.
Halton Housing Trust entered a team of 10 runners into the English Half Marathon in Warrington as part of their fundraising efforts for Halton Haven Hospice and Halton CAB. They had aimed to raise £2,000 but have surpassed that target.

Nick Atkin, the Trust’s Chief Executive, said: “It is always inspiring to take part in events like the half marathon. You see the hard work and training from those taking part and the people the runners are there to support.”

The Halton Housing Trust team included employees, a representative from Halton Haven Hospice and some supportive friends.
Nick led the team from the front with a time of 1hr 52mins. Other Trust employees included Chris Hatton who finished in 1hr 58mins and Chris Heath in 2hrs 11mins. Ciaran Clotworthy, events manager at the Hospice, completed the 13.1 miles in 2hrs 48mins.

“All fundraising for Halton Haven Hospice is used to make our patients as happy and comfortable as possible during their stay with us,” said Ciaran. “We pride ourselves on the specialist care we are able to offer and without the kind support of Halton Housing Trust these services would not be available.”
It is the third consecutive year the Trust has entered a team into the English Half Marathon.
Organisers of this year’s event kindly entered the Trust’s team into the Corporate Challenge, which enabled runners to compete against those from other companies and organisations.

Nick Atkin said the challenge had become an important date in the calendar for Halton Housing Trust, which has provided support worth £150,000 to local charities since it was formed in 2006.
“We take our responsibilities to improve the quality of life for people living across Runcorn and Widnes very seriously.  Our support for our two nominated charities is just one example of how we can make a real difference,” he said. 

Building upon the success of this run, Nick has also subsequently agreed to run the London Marathon next April to raise funds for The Housing Action Charity (HACT).

You can still support the Halton Housing Trust team by donating on their justgiving page www.justgiving.com/haltonhousingtrust2/