Lancaster charity’s ‘Dream Team’ race for veterans

Lancaster charity workers alongside veterans have run thirty kilometres in this summer’s searing heat. They did this to help ex-military and emergency service personnel in need. This is just months after the charity hub Sharpe’s Café opened in March.

“We wanted to raise both money and awareness of our Lancaster charity hub,” explains Hub Coordinator Della Clark. “I needed motivation to get back into running. Our Support Coordinator Gary Parish, a regular football player, wanted to train for his first half marathon. The hardest race was the Morecambe 10km. The sea breeze, although refreshing on a sunny day, felt like it was pushing us back!”

The team completed the Bay Gateway, the Morecambe 10km along the promenade and the Pilling 10km. The wore the charity’s Stress Down Day T-shirts. Their charity café customers were also there to cheer them on. As well as raising money, their endeavours have encouraged some local veterans to run for the first time in years.

“We’re so extraordinarily proud of Della and Gary for their amazing efforts,” adds Dorinda Wolfe Murray, founder of FirstLight Trust. “Every penny raised will go towards our work helping veterans find their feet in civilian life. That might be through counselling, activities, debt advice, cutting through red tape or just a chat.”

The dynamic duo’s next challenge is leading a relay team in a 100 mile run. This takes place on Remembrance Sunday marking the centenary of the end of World War I. Runners will be made up of the Lancaster café’s staff, veterans and customers. Sponsorship can be made in Sharpe’s Café on Market Street or online: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/della-gary

The Lancaster Sharpe’s Café can be found at 63-65 Market Street, Lancaster LA1 1JG . It’s open from Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm. It serves home-made snacks and hot and cold drinks including their own-brand coffee created by the Bay Coffee Company.