Leading partnership homes developer, Lovell, has raised over £2000 for Norwich City Community Sports Foundation (CSF) after 13 of its employees took part in this year’s virtual Run Norwich, with many picking up the hobby during lockdown.
As well as being the race organisers, CSF helps a vast range of people within the Norfolk and Suffolk communities through sport, including people with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Lovell’s team of runners included; regional managing director, Simon Medler; regional operations manager, Gareth Roberts; land and partnership manager, Will Wright; managing quantity surveyor, Kelly Starkings; senior quantity surveyor, Oliver Crocker; quantity surveyor, Darren Evans and sales executives David Methold and Dawn Mortimer.
The race itself saw over 1,500 people take part, running 10km in any location. Some of the Lovell team completed the run through Eaton Park, with the runners setting off in intervals to obey the Government ‘rule of six’ and social distancing guidelines.
Simon said: “I’m delighted that our team has raised over £2000 for CSF and that so many of our employees were keen to be involved.
“This is the second year we’ve taken part in Run Norwich to raise funds for CSF and I’m thankful that the event was able to go ahead virtually, with many of the team even commenting that running has helped them through this difficult time.
“CSF is our charity of the year and although this year has been challenging, I’m delighted that we’re still able to participate in fundraising events to support the inspiring work being done by the organisation.”
Oliver commented: “I learnt all about the amazing work CSF do within the area last year, and due to the impact that the national lockdown has had on the charity, this race was more important in terms of raising money for a worthy cause. I started training in March just before lockdown came into force and was very proud to finish in just over 43 minutes.”
Darren Evans, who ran in last year’s event, added: “After taking part in Run Norwich last year, I was hoping to achieve a time of 50 minutes and came in at just over 48 minutes, which I was thrilled about. I enjoy going for a run, and it’s a great opportunity to be running with friends that are also participating.”
Dawn Mortimer, who participated for the first time, commented: “I decided to participate as motivation to get out there and exercise. I ran to my best friend’s house and back, between Thorpe St Andrew and Rackheath and was cheered on by sheep and horses along the way.”
David Methold also ran for the first time with a motivation to improve his fitness. He added: “I participated in my home town of Wymondham and completed the run in 66 minutes. It’s great that the organisers decided to still hold a virtual event rather than cancelling completely; it keeps the competitive edge to it.”
The money raised through Run Norwich is added to the total amount raised for CSF, through a variety of events, to give a total of over £3,800 raised this year.
The East Anglia region of Lovell currently has projects in Kings Lynn, Rackheath, Holt, Fakenham, Wymondham, Acle, Gislingham, Walsham-le-Willows and Newton St Faith.