13 people run for the charity in event which included 9000 participants
Picturesque Plymouth Hoe was the backdrop for the annual Plymouth Half Marathon which saw thousands of people pound the streets and scenic areas of Britain’s Ocean City.
Among the participants were 13 runners who were raising money for First Light – a charity dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Their dedication paid off as they surpassed their fundraising target, collectively raising an impressive total of £3,651. The city’s running festival took place at the end of last month and featured a Half Marathon, 5k and 10k races.
‘We are absolutely thrilled with the incredible response to the Plymouth Run fundraising event,’ says Anna Mitchell, Fundraising Officer at First Light.
‘The enthusiasm and generosity of our runners, supporters, and the local community have been truly inspiring.’
‘A huge congratulations and thank you to all those who took part. Every pound raised will enable us to continue providing vital support services to those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.’
Managers say that among the participants were individuals with personal connections to the charity, including First Light staff members and people who’ve used the service.
‘They helped me through the toughest time of my life’
‘I ran the Plymouth Half Marathon to raise money for First Light as they helped me through the toughest time of my life; I am so grateful that because of them, I finally feel control over my own body and am able to run and raise money for such an incredible cause,’ explains one of the runners.
‘I’m feeling very, very proud and super pleased with myself as when I started in January, I could only just do a 5k.”
Other participants included teams from Venton and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. They’re First Light’s ‘Charity of The Year’ partners for 2024.
‘Having the opportunity to take part in the event was a fantastic opportunity for the team at Venton,’ explains Sophie Turton, Conference Centre Manager at Venton.
‘Not only have we been able to raise vital funds for the charity as part of our Charity of the Year Partnership, but the sense of achievement having completed (and ran) the whole 5K course was fantastic.’
‘The atmosphere was incredible, and we couldn’t have asked for more support from the First Light team to cheer us on.’
‘I was delighted to support First Light, Heligan’s chosen charity, at the Plymouth Half Marathon this weekend,’ says Rebecca Miles, Head of Marketing at The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
‘It’s a fantastic – albeit challenging – event and I’m so proud the Heligan team have raised awareness and vital funds of over £1,680 for such an important local charity.’
