New Forest Marathon fund stumps up for the community

THE New Forest Marathon Community Fund, which offers funding towards inspiring physical activity, has hit a milestone – and is on the lookout for a new partner to help it expand.

The charity, born from the restructure of the popular annual running event five years ago, is celebrating forking out £75,000 to local community groups.

Voluntary donations as well as £1 of each entry are among the contributions to the fund’s cash pot. Organisers also offer free places to those runners competing in the various marathon races to raise money for the fund.

But the fund is now pressing ahead with plans to spread its benefit further and deeper into the New Forest community.

Chris Farr, event director and trustee, said: “From conception to the position we’ve reached in only five years is a fantastic achievement. The charity is now supporting 22 community groups per year, inspiring them to be more active and funding opportunities that may not otherwise be present.

“But we must look to the future and set plans in motion to allow the fund to grow.”

Fellow event director and trustee Andy Daish added: “To help support our vision we’re looking for a new partner to continue the amazing work the fund does throughout the community and expand its offering over the next few years.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for a local company to support so many community organisations across the New Forest and see such a positive impact.”

The New Forest Marathon returns on Sunday 13th September, boasting a full and half-marathon as well as a 10k, 5k, junior 1k and 200m races and a woodland walk.

To find out more about the New Forest Marathon and New Forest Marathon Community Fund visit www.newforestmarathon.co.uk or get in touch info@newforestmarathon.co.uk.

Marathon fund winners

1st Hordle Brownies: Taking the group to physical activities they would not usually get a chance to do such as Flip Out trampoline park.

2nd Lymington Guides: To support the finances of the group’s 2020 summer trip to Northern and Southern Ireland and allow group leaders to obtain international licences.

Highcliffe Scouts: Supporting the installation of new IT equipment at the group’s HQ to enable it to access computer systems to link outside activities with those happening at their base.

Fortune Centre of Riding Therapy: Purchase of all-weather fitness equipment and games for students to maintain or increase their level of fitness.

New Milton Tangent Club: All funds given to a local charity that provide activities to support physical and emotional wellbeing.

Milford-on-Sea 1st Guides: Purchasing new camping equipment for their annual summer camp.

Applemore Police Cadets: To arrange a visit to New Scotland Yard and team-building day at Calshot Activity Centre.

Brockenhurst Basketball Team: Purchase of new training and match basketballs.

Brockenhurst Netball Team: Purchase of new kit for matches and summer tour 2020.

Hampshire Search and Rescue: Training to use off-road vehicles and the purchase of a generator to enable the group to be self-sufficient when on call-out.

Sway Tennis Club: Help support the club’s vision of ‘more tennis to more people’ with investment in facilities, equipment and infrastructure.

Raynet Communications: Invest in equipment to aid support of community events.

FuZe8 Dance Group: Provide strength and conditioning lesson to the group and arrange a visit to watch inspiring professional dance performances locally.

17th Hordle Scouts: The renovation of their HQ kitchen and changing facilities.

Sway Village Hall: Invest in the removal of an old building and creating of a new wooden storage for equipment.