Marathon effort aids the homeless

May 16 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

MORE than £30,000 has been raised to give local homeless families a head start.

Employees at Chester-based M&S Money, Lees solicitors and The Mortgage business were among those to clock up the cash after completing the London Marathon.

The team used Gold Bond places, provided by the Chester Lions, to enter the event and raise funds for Save the Family, which provides emergency accommodation, training and support for homeless families from throughout the North West and North Wales.

The M&S Money runners raised £25,000 between them thanks to a company match-funding scheme.

Save the Family will use the money to kick-start the construction of a new children’s centre at its proposed Cotton Hall Farm development.

Once renovated, Cotton Hall Farm, near Christleton, will create homes for up to 26 homeless families, together with adult and children’s education facilities.

“The experience was amazing – the crowd and fellow runners carried me along, especially those last four miles. The memories have helped me get through the worst pain I have ever had since crossing the finishing line.

“I really enjoyed the build up and aftermath with the Save the Family, Chester Lions and the M&S team making it an occasion to remember – bring on the next one,” said Steve Walmsley, of M&S Money.

Charity founder Edna Speed MBE added: “We’re delighted and extremely grateful that the team managed to raise so much money for Save the Family.

“The proceeds will be invested wisely in helping to make much better lives for hundreds of local families afflicted by homelessness.

“We still have a long way to go in reaching our target to fund the development but efforts like this help to make our vision a reality.”