On September 17th 2017, Team Excellence took part in the Team Marathon at Rutland Water aiming to raise £500 for Leicestershire based Rainbows Children’s Hospice. We are extremely pleased to announce that this target was not only achieved but smashed and the grand total now stands at £745.00.
Company Director Alex Smith ran alongside Murray Speed, Ross and Vicky Poole. As a team they completed the marathon in just over 5 hours 20 minutes each completing 10km; a brilliant achievement given the minimal opportunity for training!
Rainbows Children’s Hospice is a charity very close to all of our hearts; with Murray’s son Toby and Ross and Vicky’s daughter Evie attending the hospice for respite throughout the year. Alex’s wife and fellow director Charlotte Smith has looked after both children for 3 years and sees how much the work and support provided by rainbows affects the lives of the families.
“Rainbows is a wonderful facility, providing not only respite for families but support and advice too. I know Toby and Evie particularly love spending time in the hydrotherapy pool. The sibling support is outstanding also, Toby’s siblings love attending the parties and days out.”
On the day the weather was perfect. With a slight breeze coming across the water and the rain holding off, the team set off on their mighty challenge. Running amongst the full Marathon and half marathon runners the atmosphere was incredible, with spectators and passers by wishing us well and passing on their experiences of Rainbows Children’s Hospice. As the team crossed the finish line to the cheers of Charlotte and Evie, who had been spectating and getting regular updates of the fundraising total, the joy was clear to see. They had done it.
A week after the Marathon, Alex was invited to Rainbows Children’s Hospice by Community Fundraiser Jess Dixon. Jess has worked at the hospice for the last 18 months and has become an integral part of the fundraising team. She now organises fundraising events around the Rutland and Melton region, with her latest event being the upcoming Christmas Carol Concert in Grantham. Jess took Alex on a guided tour of the Hospice, including the multi-sensory room, hydrotherapy pool and the rehabilitation gym. Jess reports that it costs just over £5 million per year to run the hospice, with all money coming from beneficiaries and fundraising.
Following his visit Alex reflected “Being here today really does highlight the amazing work the hospice does, not just for the children themselves but for the families too. It’s a really safe and relaxing environment for the children to relax and receive the care they need. The attention to detail and care provided by all staff is second to none and there really is an amazing and caring atmosphere. It’s makes all the hours of training worthwhile and it was really great of Jess to invite us down to see where the fundraising money will be going. On behalf of the children, families and us at Excellence Physio, we would just like to thank everyone who supported and donated. It really does make a difference”
If you would like to find out more about The Rainbows Children’s Hospice then please visit their website www.rainbows.co.uk.