Desford Striders are an England Athletics affiliated running club offering friendly and supportive running, founded in 1991.
The club “brings together runners of differing age and experience to form a club that will appeal to marathon runners and complete beginners alike.” And now boasts 200 regular members
Every year the club adopts a “charity of the year” from a number of nominated, local charities. Leicestershire Cares was selected in memory of a member, who valued support for young people in the criminal justice system which Leicestershire Cares has delivered for many years.
The club holds a number of running, fundraising and social events throughout the year including a summer BBQ and Christmas party and as a result of this fundraising Cares were delighted to receive a donation of £4000.
Our partnership, however, was not only limited to fundraising – it gave two event marshalling opportunities to our young people with SEND, who assisted with starting the race and handing out water and refreshments at the finish line. Our young people gained key work skills including working in large crowds, communicating with new people and following safety instructions.
We were also delighted to facilitate a team challenge at Sport in Desford, the home of Desford Striders. Sport in Desford is a charitable organisation set up to provide accessible and affordable sports and recreation to local residents in Desford, a largely rural and somewhat isolated community. A team from Freeths, a legal company in Leicester, set about painting communal areas, freshening up the interior, making it more welcoming for visitors.
Although our year long relationship with The Striders has come to an end we can reflect on this partnership as one of collaboration and why it is important to continue to connect community, business and young people to enable positive outcomes for all.
“it’s been a wonderful year with Desford Striders, and we can’t thank them enough for the funds raised, which will continue to enable Leicestershire Cares to support vulnerable young people and ensure everyone can thrive"
Amy Cook, Head of children and young people projects
If your business or organisation would like to consider Leicestershire Cares as your charity of the year – reach out to info@leicestershirecares.co.uk