Foundation News
Fitness fanatics looking to go the extra mile to raise double money for local causes
7th October 2009
FITNESS fanatics are putting in the miles for a fundraising attempt to help local causes and will be able to double their money in the process.
The Mount Gym, in Spinkhill, has laid down the gauntlet for people in the area to take part in a '12 hour distance marathon', with sponsorship monies raised going to support the work of the South Yorkshire Community Foundation.
Through SYCF, all funds raised from the event will be matched pound for pound through the government's Grassroots Grants programme and create a grant funding pot to secure the long term future of small community groups and projects in the area.
Becky Marsh, fitness instructor at the gym, said: "Everyone is really psyched up for what will be a great social event where gym members and those not yet involved with the gym can come together and raise money for their local community.
"Knowing that the money raised will be doubled through SYCF's match funding offer has provided a big incentive for people to get involved with our '12 hour distance marathon'."
The event will take place from 7am till 7pm on Saturday, October 24, and will see teams of four clock up as many miles as possible on the treadmill and exercise bike to raise money for SYCF.
Becky said: "We chose to support the South Yorkshire Community Foundation because we decided that rather than focusing on one particular cause we would support a charity that helped people from all walks of life.
"This way we know that a whole range of different causes will benefit from the funds that we raise."
The event has already generated plenty of interest, with people coming from as far as London to get involved with the fundraising and one gym member has already secured more than £100 in sponsorship.
Pauline Grice, chief executive of SYCF, said: "This is a fantastic idea that is engaging local people who care greatly about their area to raise funds for worthy causes.
'We support a vast range of activities and projects, from boxing clubs addressing anti-social behaviour issues to old peoples' lunch clubs addressing social isolation, and from drop-in centres tackling substance misuse to refugee centres working towards social cohesion.
"It really does mean a lot to us when people in the area who care about the community that they live in go that extra yard to make a difference for those who need it most."
Those interested in keeping fit and raising money for local causes should contact Becky Marsh on 01246 431990 or e-mail bmarsh@msmcollege.com to get involved.
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