Heroes RISE to the occasion for charity run
They were raising money in aid of RISE UK, a Brighton-based charity which helps survivors of domestic abuse.
Kelly-Marie Blundell, senior fundraising officer for RISE, said: “Domestic abuse is everyone’s business. It takes a lot of courage to get support, which ties in with being a hero.”
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Hide AdThis was the first year that RISE was the designated charity after its predecessor, Pass It on Africa, which funded projects in Africa.
The 500 participants – which included local celebrity Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) and his son Woody – donned an impressive array of superhero costumes to raise money for charity, with RISE targeting raising £20,000 in donations.
This money will fund a specialist child counselling service which can provide individual support to help abuse survivors overcome traumatising parts of their lives.
Marshal James Graham said: “It’s a fun event and we need to support charities more this way.”
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Hide AdAmong the events were a Kids’ 500m Dash, a Youth Mile and 5K and 10K races.
Many of the runners later praised the family-friendly event’s charity work and organisation as well as the volunteers who supported them around the course.
Andrew Worthing, from Brighton, ran the 10K race for RISE in a 19kg Roman suit of armour.
“They do exceptional, much-needed work and it was great to support them here,” he said.
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Hide AdMeanwhile Pete Roe came to Brighton for the first time to run alongside his wife and both of them have already raised hundreds of pounds in their home city of Derby.
A number of prizes were handed out for best fancy dress and the best fundraiser, including a visit up the i360, a rock climbing experience and a signed Brighton and Hove Albion shirt.
Fundraisers on behalf of RISE emphasised the importance of receiving donations with eight referrals currently being made for every place available through their support service.
“Be a hero for RISE and fund a child counsellor,” said Ms Blundell.
Anyone wishing to donate to RISE should visit: www.heroesrun.org.uk