Tenth year for the 10k
Back in 2002, the LJMC Business team took the bold step of putting on a 10k road race. It was the biggest fundraising project they had ever tackled and they launched themselves into unfamiliar territory. Ten years later, the Moor Park 10k has become a major fixture in the local running calendar and has raised more than £280,000 for the LJMC.
The pressures on the fundraising department of a charity are incessant with the need to come up with new ideas and projects to bring in much needed funds.
A fortuitous encounter with an experienced, local Race Director was the inspiration to organise a 10k race and, with some trepidation on our part, plans were made.
As entries arrived at the LJMC, doubts were replaced by a new spirit of optimism and, as the event drew closer, there was a sense that we might have a success on our hands.
Raising more than £11,000 was an exhilarating feeling, tempered by doubts that this might be a one-hit wonder. Could we repeat, or even increase, this successful event?
In 2003, not only did we double the number of runners taking part, we doubled the amount we raised too. The Moor Park 10k was officially declared an 'annual' event in the LJMC calendar.
The Moor Park 10k has managed to get everyone at the LJMC involved in some way: members of staff, their children and grandchildren take part, many others help on the day, the Complementary Therapy team offers a service for weary runners and, back in the Centre, it's difficult not to catch the excitement and buzz of activity as race day looms.
As we approach the tenth Moor Park 10k, we pay tribute to the thousands of runners who have supported the LJMC through their participation. Many runners have come back year after year, full of praise for the event as well as the charity in aid of which the event is organised.
We have also enjoyed the support of several local companies who have sponsored trophies over the years and, of course, our corporate sponsors, Manches LLP and more latterly Stewarts Law LLP. The generosity that all these companies have shown has been significant in enabling us to develop the event.
Every penny raised by the 10k goes directly towards the LJMC's services. In particular, it is used to fund the Complementary Therapy service that is so greatly valued by so many of our patients.
This year's race will take place at Merchant Taylors' School on Sunday 25th September and we warmly encourage you to come along and join us in celebrating ten years of running in aid of the LJMC.
Whilst the event is advertised as a race, many people enjoy the event at a more sedate walking pace. You'll still get a medal at the end!
The junior events are always great fun so why not encourage your children and/or grandchildren to come along and take part too? There are other activities going on for young people with a fun fair and bouncy castles and many families bring picnics to make a great day out.
We're always pleased to hear from people who'd like to help on the day as well. If you can spare some time, please contact Sue Hordyj on 01923 844589.
Last updated: April 13, 2012
Enter the tenth Moor Park 10k!
This article first appeared in the Summer 2011 issue of the LJMC newsletter, Open Door.