Two
Northstar colleagues battled through the pain barrier to raise money for industry
charity foundation Meeting Needs at the Royal Parks Half Marathon.
Charlotte Bliss and Debbie Connelly were part of a
40-strong team raising money for Meeting Needs by running the 13.1 mile course,
which sets off from Hyde Park and takes in Green Park, St James’ Park and
Kensington Gardens as well as a host of London’s sights.
“I’m really proud to have run the Royal Parks Half
Marathon on behalf of Meeting Needs, charity partner of our M&IT Awards,
this year,” said Connelly, head of awards and conferences operations at
Northstar Meetings Group.
“Meeting
Needs do such amazing work supporting small charities with funds raised from
within the meetings and events industry, so I wanted to help champion their
cause.
“Running
13.1 miles was tough, but running alongside a shark, a Christmas tree and a man
with a washing machine strapped to his back to name just a few made it fun and
memorable! That combined with the support of the crowds really made the
difference to help us reach the finish line. Every ache and pain is worth it
knowing the difference the funds raised for Meeting Needs will make.”
Account director Charlotte Bliss
said: “The atmosphere at the Royal Parks Half Marathon is incredible - everyone is there to raise money
for their chosen charity and to support and cheer on each other. The runners,
the charities, the friends and families, and all the kids there to support their
mums and dads - and high fiving us as we ran past - is so heart warming and
encouraging. I loved it!
The Meeting Needs team at the Royal Parks Half Marathon Photo Credit: image supplied“13 miles is more than enough for
me - at 10 miles I had had enough, but was spurred on by the continuous support
from the crowd and other runners. Also, SongDivision's Sam was there with Kitty from MYVA to spur us along with some outstanding cheerleading and singing and
their contagious enthusiasm for life and passion for Meeting Needs.”
Meeting Needs awards
life-changing grants to smaller charities with funds raised from within the
meetings and events industry.
“I’ve been working with Meeting
Needs since 2014”, added Bliss. “The people I have met during this time are
nothing short of inspirational and incredible human beings who really take a
place in your heart. These funds go a long way and make a remarkable difference
to so many lives.
“I was lucky enough to witness
this first hand when I went to Tanzania with Philippa Jacobs’ charity Champion
Chanzige. The difference this money made to the gorgeous kids at their school,
to their teachers and to their families was and continues to be invaluable.
“I love knowing that by running
RPHM I can be someone who helps not just one charity but multiple charities - I
just need to get better at running!”
If you'd like to sponsor Debbie and Charlotte and support Meeting Needs, it's not too late, visit:
