Sports Store Gets Llewela Up and Running
Sept 17, 2010
A kind-hearted sports retailer has given a boost to London marathoner Llewela Bailey’s bid to raise £20,000 for Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice.
Birmingham Runner in Shirley has kitted out former Central Tonight presenter Llewela and her daughter Jess Brabant with running shoes, which will help them complete their gruelling training programme.
The pair, from Moseley, have set themselves the mammoth challenge of running the 2011 London Marathon in aid of the Selly Park-based hospice, which provides vital care to people with life-limiting illnesses from Birmingham and Sandwell.
Llewela and Jess spent an afternoon at the store in Stratford Road this week having their gaits analysed on a treadmill using the latest video technology, to ensure they were fitted with the right shoes.
Dave Ireland, Director of Birmingham Runner, said he was delighted to have helped the mother and daughter on their way to marathon success.
He said: “We know about the great work Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice does in the community so we’re really happy to get behind Llewela’s and Jess’s challenge.
“It’s a small but significant contribution, as well-fitted, quality running shoes are vital to marathon running. They should ensure the girls remain injury-free and are able to train to optimum fitness levels before the big day. We wish them every success and hope they raise lots of money for Birmingham St Mary’s.”
Llewela added: “It’s really kind of Dave to support us in this way. As people will have read in my marathon diary, I’m pretty new to this keep-fit business. So spending an afternoon at Birmingham Runner has been a fantastic learning experience.
“There was so much about biomechanics and running technique that I had no idea about. I’m sure this new knowledge along with our fantastic new running shoes is going to be a big help to our training and ultimately fundraising.”
Hospice Head of Fundraising Caroline Taylor said Birmingham Runner’s contribution was greatly appreciated.
“It’s wonderful to see the business community come out and support our fundraisers in this way, so I’d really like to thank Dave and the team at Birmingham Runner for their donation. And I’m sure Llewela and Jess have already clocked up a few miles in their new shoes,” Caroline said.
Since its launch in 1979, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice has cared for tens of thousands of people with life-limiting illnesses, such as cancer, motor neurone disease and MS.
With around 52 percent of the Hospice’s budget reliant on public goodwill, community fundraising is crucial to ensuring its highly specialised services can continue to be offered to the people of Birmingham and Sandwell.
In addition to a 25-bed Inpatient Unit, Birmingham St Mary’s boasts a 20-place Day Hospice and provides community care to people who wish to stay in their own homes.
The Hospice also supports relatives with bereavement preparation, physiotherapy tuition and counselling in addition to many other services.
Annual running costs stand at £6.3 million, with around £1 million being raised in the Hospice’s shops and £2.7 million via fundraising. The remainder comes from the NHS.
Birmingham St Mary’s nurses, often referred to by patients and relatives as ‘angels’, are renowned for going that extra mile to ensure people with terminal illnesses enjoy the best possible quality of life.
Further information about Birmingham Runner is available at www.birminghamrunner.com. To sponsor Llewela and Jess go to www.justgiving.com/llewelabailey.
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