Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund couldn’t have asked for a better response to our third annual Superhero Fun Run which took place on 19th May. 189 runners took on the 5k route around Raphael Park in Romford – more than both previous years!
The weather stayed dry and Raphael Park was absolutely buzzing with runners, supporters and families enjoying a great day out together. The youngest entrant was just four and a half months old, whilst the most senior runner was a fantastic 74 years old – it really was a day for the whole family to enjoy!
In addition to the run, there were bouncy castles and other inflatable fun, soft play for toddlers, and the very popular face painting – all of which were free for superhero runners under 13, plus hot and cold food and drink vans, a slushie stall, go karts, tin-can alley and hook the duck!
Event organiser Claire Foale said:
“We just didn’t expect so many people to turn up on the day! 189 runners took part in the fun run itself, and so many more people just came along to enjoy the fun day and the atmosphere. We think we had more than 400 people there, all having a great time!”
Runners were joined by our mascot, Lenny the Lion, for the first part of the race and the brand new Mayor of Havering, Michael Deon Burton, was the special guest of the day. He helped to spur on the runners before the race began, and stayed to hand out medals at the finish line, as well as posing for many photos with the public!
The charity also had lots of support from the local community. 26 volunteers gave up their time to ensure everyone’s safety during the run and throughout the day, Steve Henderson from Henderson Perry Entertainment volunteered his services as DJ for the whole day, Millennium Cash and Carry donated bottled water for the runners, Trophyland in Hornchurch donated finishers’ medals, Carly Faiers got the runners going with a warm-up routine and items in the goody bags were donated by Rascal Confectionery, Tesco, Asda, Steve Weller and Helen Nye!
Event organiser, Vicky Nash, said:
“We’re so grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this event, but none more so than those who donated items or services and the volunteers who gave up their Sunday to help out”.
It is important to remember that the purpose of this event was to raise funds for Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund, a Romford-based charity who are making a positive difference to children with cancer. The superhero fun runners raised more than £2,000 in sponsorship alone, and overall the whole day has raised over £5,000 so far with sponsorship money still coming in!
Event organiser, Becky Dimond, said:
“It was such a fantastic day that we can’t wait to get started on next year’s event. I’m confident it’ll be bigger and better than ever!”
For more information about the charity, please visit: www.lennoxccf.org.uk.