insideKENT Magazine Issue 21 - Nov/Dec 2013 | Page 25

HUNDREDS JOIN CHERYL BAKER FOR DEMELZA RUN Singer and presenter Cheryl Baker was among those who 'made her mind up' to take part in the Demelza Run at Leeds Castle in September. Almost 700 runners took part, made up of supporters, staff, volunteers and Demelza families. Caitlin, whose family use Demelza, started off the runners for the 5K and 10K run around the castle grounds with KMFM presenter Emma Adam compering. Eight-year-old Caitlin said, “It was very exciting. Demelza helps me and I help back.” The 10K run was won by Richard Tomlinson in a time of 36 minutes, 55 seconds. Richard also won the race in 2012 and 2011. Marc Howorth came second and Lee Stacey scooped third place. The first child in the 10K was 13-year-old Tilly Glancy, and Sam Harraway was the first lady over the finish line. The 5K run was won by Jamie Carley with Ben Mann second and his brother Daniel Mann coming third. William, who uses Demelza, was the first child in the 5K, and Jessica Carley was the first female over the line. Runners were asked to bring donations of clothes and unwanted goods for Demelza for a Drop and Run and around 40 bags were given in on the day. Demelza has 19 charity shops across the area and is reliant on community support to help keep them stocked. Sarah Marsh, Demelza's events cocoordinator said, “Thank you so much to everyone who joined us at Leeds Castle for our 15th birthday Demelza Run. It was lovely to see so many families taking part as well as some great fancy dress. We had our second highest number of entrants ever and some fantastic fundraising which will really make a difference to the work we can do for families across the area who desperately need our help. See you next year!” www.demelza.org.uk www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk 25