Ready to run: px Group staff David Burbridge (left), Neil Gibbons and Sarah Garvey prepare for the SABIC Tees Pride 10k.
A ground-breaking Teesside charity aims to have 50 experienced runners, joggers and self-proclaimed couch potatoes taking part in September’s SABIC Tees Pride 10k.
Among the first to nail their colours to the mast of Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation are five members of staff from Stockton-based px Group.
As generous corporate patrons of the charity, staff at px are determined to put their best foot forward by raising as much money as they can for the Foundation’s support of the Evening Gazette’s Wish Sport campaign.
The Foundation has promised to donate £30,000 to Wish Sport, giving dozens of local not-for-profit sports clubs a chance to gain a share of the cash jackpot for much-needed funds.
But, while px may be experts in offering a wide range of services across a variety of high risk, hazardous and strategic industries, trader Neil Gibbons admits they may be running into trouble by tackling the popular 10k.
“We’re a mixed group in terms of fitness but none of us are hugely experienced runners, so it’s sure to be a tough test,” said Neil, who took up running in the New Year in a bid to lead a healthier lifestyle.
“I hadn’t done any running in many years until making the decision to try to get fit as a New Year’s resolution. It’s been slow-going but I’m making some progress and it’s great to have the support of colleagues as we prepare for the 10k. We’ve started to train together whenever we can so we are encouraging each other.
“We’re not going to win the race but we do hope to raise as much money as possible for the Philanthropic Foundation. We’ve all pledged to raise at least £250 each but hopefully we’ll beat that target.
“Although px operates across the world, our home is here on Teesside. A high proportion of our staff live and work here, so we are keen to give something positive back to this area.
“It’s great that our efforts in training and fundraising will go towards a great cause in supporting the Gazette’s Wish Sport project.”
Neil will be joined in the SABIC Tees Pride 10k by colleagues Mike McKie, Sarah Garvey, Gary Barker and Paul Brown.
The Philanthropic Foundation would love to hear from more people interested in taking part in aid of the Wish Sport campaign.
Chairman Andy Preston, who will himself be running the 10k, said: “The Philanthropic Foundation is determined to make a real difference to the lives of local people and let the outside world know Teesside is a great place to live, work and do business.
“It’s fantastic that the px staff are flying the flag by being our first patrons to commit to taking part in the 10k. Now we’d like to hear from many more runners keen to run in the Foundation’s name and help us raise funds towards our target.”
If you would like to run the 10k in aid of the Philanthropic Foundation and the Wish Sport campaign, email info@teessidecharity.org.uk or visit www.teessidecharity.org.uk.
Pledge to raise £250 and the Foundation will pay for your race entry fee and provide an exclusive T-shirt for your run.
The Foundation’s generous patrons include Tees Pride 10k sponsors SABIC, together with Middlesbrough FC, Bulkhaul, AV Dawson, Devereux, Ramsdens, Unasys, Active Financial Services, Macks Solicitors, Erimus Insurance Brokers and Onyx Group.
For more details about the SABIC Tees Pride 10k, taking place on Sunday September 8, visit
www.runmiddlesbrough.com.
