A GENEROUS firm has donated around £800 in sponsorship to an up-and-coming children’s running club in Wollescote.
Chapmans Electrical has paid for 70 mid layer tops for members of Accelerate Youth Running Club.
The free club, which meets at Stevens Park in Wollescote, was founded by Halesowen Athletics Club coach Beckie Adams last December.
It has gone from strength to strength over the last few months, with its membership soaring to 120 and fellow coach Lee McRobert helping run sessions.
Mum-of-three Beckie, aged 47, of Wollescote, works in the PE department at Westminster School in Rowley Regis.
She said: “I didn’t expect the group to be this big when I started it! Demand has soared since about April and we have had lots of new members. It’s adventurous running across different terrains to keep children fit.
“We go out in all weathers, rain and snow and in the dark wearing head torches. If it’s safe we will go out!”
Pic: Accelerate members out running in the snow!
Jane Lewis, HR manager for Chapmans Electrical, based on Reddal Hill Road, Cradley Heath, said the firm found out about the club because employee Paul Morgan’s children are members.
She said: “We’re really pleased to be able to support such a vibrant local sports club.”
Runners meet on the car park at Stevens Park, Wollescote, on Thursdays at 4.45pm for a training session.
On Saturdays they meet up at 10.45am for a cross country run, kicking off from Wollescote Community Centre in Wassell Road. Both sessions are for children aged eight to 15 of all fitness levels.
On Wednesdays a mini accelerate group for children aged six to seven meets at 4.45pm at the community centre for a fun introductory to running through games and adventurous running activities.
A team of dedicated volunteers help run the club, which is free.
Beckie said: “Without our volunteers the club wouldn’t be possible. We have 14 volunteers across the two sessions with quite a few of them helping out at both.
“We’re always in need of more volunteers too.”
Visit the group’s Facebook page or call 07779 794961 to join or volunteer.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here