Marathon effort to help end loneliness

What a great event the 2019 Bath Half turned out to be. With fantastic runners who worked their socks off training and fundraising for us, we managed to raise nearly £2,500 to help older people in B&NES.

Under a cloudless blue sky and enthusiastic crowds, our runners completed the gruelling 13.1-mile route with their mission to help end loneliness among older people in our community. 

Runner Poppy Collingwood, pictured, who raised a whopping £323, said: "I ache all over and never want to see either Bristol Road again, but I did it and ran the whole thing. As I was running, I spent a lot of time thinking about my Grannies, two of the most fiercely independent women I've ever known. The sponsorship money I raised will help people in B&NES  live their best independent lives, which is awesome."  
"It was wonderful to see the dedication of our runners and we’re so grateful for all their efforts in training and fundraising," says Janet Dabbs, Age UK B&NES CEO. "As a local independent charity all money raised here stays right here in B&NES, so our runners will be helping older people in our community through our day centres, befriending services, Information and Advice, clubs, groups and classes.”