The theme for this year’s event was ‘Under the Sea’ and there was a great selection of sea-themed entertainment for all the family including Zaz the clown on his unicycle, Magic Martin with his fabulous balloon modelling, Ace faces doing face-painting, a deep sea teddy cave, fun fishing and even a chance to put your child or parent in a bubble! There were also a number of stalls organised by fundraisers participating the hospice’s Walk the Great Wall of China Trek, Littlehampton Friends of St Barnabas, hospice volunteer Jo Plant’s jewellery stall, plus an information stand about the St Barnabas Building A Dream appeal to build the brand new hospice.
Entrants in the Fancy Dress Competition took to the ‘Under the Sea’ theme with enthusiasm and there were some great costumes! The Best Family prize was won by Michelle (45) and Roxy Smith (3 ½ ), dressed as a rollerblading octopus and a mermaid. They will enjoy a fun packed and educational day out at Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre. The Best Child prize went to 6 month old Ruby Olivia who came as a baby mermaid. Her prize is a special party with seven of her friends at P.L.A.Y Play, Leisure Agility, Youth Ltd. The Best Group was won by Clare Thompson and her group of mermaids and sailors! Their prize is a scrumptious meal for six at the North Star Pub in Durrington.
The Junior Fun Run was well subscribed with the young runners setting a fast pace along the 1km route. The fastest boy was Harry Lyne and the fastest girl was Erin Bateman, both aged 11. They were presented with trophies by Worthing Mayor Cllr Noel Atkins.
After a warm-up by Fit4’s Running Club instructor, Jo Clarke, the runners set off for the main Fun Run along the 5km route from Worthing Lido to George V Avenue and back. First man back was Andy Payne in a blistering 16 minutes, 15 seconds. He was closely followed by first junior, Ollie Graveson, aged 15, and first lady back, Jo Clarke.
For the sixth year running, the event is generously sponsored by Michael Jones Estate & Lettings Agents who entered a team of runners. Mike Jones also ran, accompanied by his daughter.
The event was also well supported by teams from Gothia Financial Services, the Beach Hotel and the Phoenix Surgery.
Said event organiser, Hannah Devriendt, “We are so grateful to everyone who took part in this year’s Fun Run. There was a great atmosphere and, once all the sponsorship money is in, we hope to raise around £12,000 which is fantastic! As well as everyone who took part, we would like to thank our sponsor, Michael Jones, Malcolm Grey from Retrospect Event Sound, REAC for providing the marshals, the Beach Office and all our fantastic volunteers for making it such a fun event and helping us to raise so much money for St Barnabas!”
Look at the pictures here:- http://www.flickr.com/photos/27889967@N02/sets/72157624027980906/
