Members of the Bradford-based Royal Engineers Territorial Army (TA) unit have raised £1,800 for three local charities after taking part in the Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k road race. The money was split between Epilepsy Action, Leeds Autism Services and Leeds General Infirmary Peter Congdon Neonatal Unit.
A team of 23 TA members marched the 10k route, from Centenary Square down to Frizinghall and back, carrying packs weighing 20kg. The group completed the course in 90 minutes. The team chose the three charities after being personally affected by their causes. Team captain Ian Bunting’s girlfriend, Alison Reynolds, died after an epileptic seizure in 1997 and Alison’s daughter has autism. The Peter Congdon Neonatal Unit was chosen in memory of Sapper Lee Jackson’s baby, who died after being born prematurely.
Ian Bunting, of the 106 (West Riding) Field Squadron, Royal Engineers, said: “We’re really pleased to have been able to raise awareness of three charities close to our hearts. All the charities represent fantastic causes and we’re delighted to have been able to raise nearly £2,000 for them.”
Katie Stocks, fundraising events officer at Epilepsy Action, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Ian and all the team at the Territorial Army, who did a fantastic job raising money for us. We’re really grateful for all their support and seeing them all marching along in their fatigues added a really fun, extra element to the day.”
This year’s Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k has so far raised over £26,000. The money raised for Epilepsy Action will help fund the vital advice and information services provided by the charity. Last year, the charity directly helped more than 688,000 people through a range of services, including its advice and information centre, branch network, Epilepsy Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050 and award-winning website, www.epilepsy.org.uk
Next year’s Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k will take place on Sunday 11 March 2011. To sign up, or for more information, visit www.epilepsy.org.uk/involved/bradford10k or call the fundraising team on 0113 210 8800.