Gearing up for Christmas!

[Val-NRAS]

I can’t believe we are now well into October and the weather is still so lovely. After such a horrible summer its about time we had some good weather! I have bought a few Christmas presents which I am sure I will forget I have and will buy again! When I asked my 16 year old son what he would like for Christmas he said ‘a car’!

Fundraising is now gearing up for the Christmas season with our Christmas cards and wrapping paper flying out the door. If you would like to order any cards please visit our eBay shop at stores.ebay.co.uk/NRAS-Char... or alternatively contact me on 01628 501547.

Our Christmas Concert this year will be on the 9th December at All Saints Church in Maidenhead. Details are now on our website - nras.org.uk/ChristmasConcer...

On the 18th September Ailsa, our Chief Executive, took to the roads in her wheelchair to take part in the Great North Run in Newcastle. She had a team of 6 pushers who worked together to complete the run in 2.59 hrs – a great time! In total we had 22 runners taking part in the race and between them so far they have raised a fantastic £12,000. Thank you to everyone who trained so hard for the event and raised not only awareness but much needed funds. If you would like to take part in next year’s race which is on the 16th September do get in touch and I will reserve you a place – they go very quickly so don’t delay!

Last Sunday 10 of our supporters took part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London. It was an early start with runners arriving at Hyde Park by about 8.30 am. I set off from home with my ever supportive husband with me to offer encouragement to our runners. We left home in the rain which stopped by the time we arrived at Hyde Park and the sun came out (much to our relief). We met with some of our runners before the race, 3 runners were completing their ‘Marathon in a Month’ having taken part in the Great North Run. We met up with Darren, Dave and Laura at the end of the half marathon and the relief they felt having completed their challenge was very apparent!

So far almost £4,000 has been raised by our runners so well done to everyone who took part. If you would like to take part in next year’s race please get in touch and I will reserve you a place.

On Tuesday 18th we will be celebrating our official 10th birthday. So many of you have supported us through this our 10th year. You have held ‘Tea for 10’ parties and Raise It Days, along with lots of your own events. Please do keep up the good work and tell us about your plans for 2012. We are currently putting together our Events Programme for next year so if anyone has an idea for an event they would like us to hold please get in touch.

Full details of our 2012 Events Programme will be on our website very soon. We will have our popular events like the Great North Run, Royal Parks Half Marathon, Hadrian’s Wall Trek and Mount Kilimanjaro Trek, along with some news ones too so once again watch this space - nras.org.uk

Why not make Olympic year the year you take on a once in a lifetime challenge in aid of NRAS?

As always I would love to hear from you so please do give me a call on 01628 501547 or send me an email at [e-mail] and let me know what you are planning to do for NRAS. Remember to raise a glass to us on the 18th.

Val

01628 501547

[e-mail]