Press Release: LEAMINGTON CHRISTIAN MISSION BOOSTED THROUGH WRIGHT HASSALL REGENCY RUN

A Leamington charity has been able to go the extra mile this winter – with support from the Wright Hassall Regency Run.

Leamington Christian Mission, which helps homeless and vulnerable people in Leamington and Warwick, received 25 new sleeping bags to give to people sleeping on the streets during the worst of the snowy weather.

The charity is also one of dozens of local charities to receive financial support raised through the 10km run, which takes place for the sixth year on Sunday, April 11.

Leamington Christian Mission offers free food and hot drinks to around 50 homeless and needy people every night via buses which park on the corner of Newbold Terrace, along with support and advice.

Stephanie and Geoff Devlin, who run the voluntary charity, are now in their 20th year running the buses and say the extra support from local events like the run is crucial.

“For people sleeping on the streets when the weather is really bad, a good sleeping bag is very important because it’s easy for bags to get ruined in the conditions,” Mrs Devlin said.

“The financial donations have also helped because we need as much support as we can get. For instance, it costs £2,000 to tax and insure a bus, and a service and MOT recently cost us £2,500.

“That’s a big lump to pay in one go and so we are very grateful that the organisation supports us.

“A lot of what we do is simply being there to help people. Over the years we have not just helped individuals, we have helped families – and it’s lovely when you see lives changing.

“We’ve even had five people who have gone from being on the streets to attending university – so it shows that reaching out to people can make a real difference, and obviously those who support us financially help make that possible.

“I always say that if one person helps one other person in life there would be no need for people like us. But if that can’t happen, then at least if there are people around to care for each other, lives can change for the better.”

Leamington Christian Mission has 30 volunteers who help to provide services – and a waiting list of others willing to help.

To date, the charity has received in excess of £5,000 from the run, and will benefit from this year’s event in April.

The organisational costs of the run are covered by sponsors Wright Hassall, Avonvale Veterinary Centres, Eaton, Integrated Hydraulics and Brandon Hire – meaning entry costs go entirely towards supporting local charities.

Russell Hall, who organises the run for Leamington Round Table, said that the total money raised through the six runs should reach £150,000 this year.

To enter for the run, visit www.regency10k.co.uk or www.wrighthassall.co.uk. Paper forms are available in various Leamington sports shops.

Ends

Media enquiries:
Dan Donovan
Advent Communications
2 Edison Building
Electric Wharf
Sandy Lane
Coventry CV1 4JA
Tel: 024 7663 3636