A team from United Molasses Group has raised over £35,000 for a charity that provides vital support to children diagnosed with a serious illness.
Running on behalf of Starlight Children’s Foundation were Shaun Smith [UM Group Finance], Mark Few and Simon Markham [Molasses GB], Nigel Jones [Head of Technical & Quality], Jamie Marshall [UM Terminals, Hull East] and UM customer Henry Eastick from Ragus, the sugars and syrups specialist.
In total, £18,279 was raised via the runners’ JustGiving page with a further £17,279 being donated in match-funding by our generous shareholders, W&R Barnett Ltd, giving a final amount raised of £35,558.
The team of six were a mix of experienced and less experienced runners, but all committed themselves to gruelling training regimes to ensure they were ready for the prestigious event on Sunday, October 2.
Shaun said: “I was a lapsed runner doing a full marathon for the first time. My main challenge was foot soreness the day after long runs which has been unbelievable at times.
“I signed up for the unique experience. The last time I ever ran a fraction of this distance I was yet to sit for my ‘O’ levels and don’t think it is normal to take up marathon running at this stage of my athletics career.
“Signing up is the easy part, the reality of the training is another. One interesting thing I have experienced is the amazed expressions when people realise how I have been training, expecting a paramedic needing to be in close attendance, but seeing that I can actually run and possibly even make it.”
Jamie, who was also undertaking his first London Marathon, said the main challenge was fitting in the training alongside family responsibilities such as children’s rugby and football.
He said: “I signed up after a few beers when I was at a UM induction meal and couldn’t say ‘no’ the day after as I don’t like going back on my word and it’s for a great charity. The whole day was a great experience.”