News Release

29th August 2011

JOIN US FOR THE PEPPARD 7K WALK/10K RUN

Senior citizen walkers, great grannie Jean Garrett from Mortimer and Ann Jones from Three Mile Cross joined Philip Hinton from Fleet, who was once told he’d never walk again, to urge people to sign up for Feed The Children (UK)’s Samuel Hood Memorial 10K Peppard Run/7K Walk on Sunday 4th September.  The trio prove that the walk is for people of all ages and all abilities - a lovely Sunday scenic walk for all the family that is cross-country so can also be a challenging run, which will also raise money for a very worthy cause.

Jean (75) has been a volunteer for the charity for a decade, supervising packing in the warehouse on a Tuesday. She encouraged her friend, fellow walker and former work colleague Ann (69), to take part. Philip was told 8 years ago that he would never walk again, would be confined to a wheelchair, and the Peppard is his first walking challenge and he will be raising sponsorship for the charity.

“I left my decision to take part to the last minute,” says Philip. “Walking is not at all easy for me. I have to concentrate all the time on my balance and need somebody alongside me, so this will be a very real challenge. To stand any chance of keeping mobile I have to go to the gym every day. I will have to use my leg brace and walking poles and it will take me some time, but I am determined to do it to raise money for such a brilliant charity.”

“I hope lots of other walkers and runners will join us,” continues Jean. “Phil is an inspiration to others and the three of us hope we can encourage even more people to take part and raise money for the communities the charity serves.”

The Peppard 10K race and 7K walk is organised by the Ruscombe-based charity Feed The Children and is one of their main fundraising events.

Starting and finishing at Greys Green Golf Course, adjacent to the Ruchetta Restaurant, Peppard Common on the B481 Reading to Nettlebed Road, RG9 5JU, the walk/run is suitable for all the family. For keen athletes and fun runners alike there is a 10K run, which starts at 10.30am and for leisure walkers and families (including the dog!) there is a shorter 7k route starting at 10.35am. Registration for both options commences at 9.30am.

There will be the Samuel Hood Memorial Shield and trophy for the Best Fundraiser to be won by the person or group of people who raise the most sponsorship, the BookRabbit Winners’ shield and trophies for the first man, first woman, first boy (under 16), first girl (under 16) and veteran (over 65) and everyone who participates receives a certificate. Entry fee for runners is £12, walkers £6 and children under 16 are £1.

“We hope to attract a wide range of participants for this year’s Peppard 10K run and 7K walk,” says Feed The Children’s chief executive, Brian Main, “It is a most beautiful course and is mostly off-road following footpaths through beautiful South Oxfordshire countryside which makes for a special and unforgettable event.”