Pictured above: (l-r) Ken Barker (Shirley Lions), Kate Smith
(Liberty Property Trust UK) and Martin Conlon (Shirley
Lions)
Two Solihull charities have made flying starts to the year after
receiving the proceeds from the seventh annual Blythe Valley Park
Charity Fun Run.
The event raised £4,130 which was split equally between
this year's chosen charities Breast Friends Solihull and Hearing
Dogs for the Deaf, by organisers Liberty Property Trust UK, which
manages the park, and Shirley Lions Club.
Over 400 people took part in the event, which included a 500m
fun run for children under 12 and a 5km and 10km race around the
countryside park and pathways of the business park, located at
Junction 4 of the M42.
Kate Smith, of Liberty Property Trust UK, which develops and
manages the business park in partnership with Doughty Hanson &
Co Real Estate, said: "Once again we had a fantastic turnout and
have been able to raise a tremendous amount for our chosen
charities.
"As part of the local community we like to support causes which
make a difference in our area so we are delighted to be able to
pass on such great sum.
"It is particularly pleasing that the attendance continues to
rise year on year to a point where we now have over 400 people
taking part compared to just under 100 in our first year.
"A lot of the tenants from the park like to enter a team, as do
the charities and it is a great day for everyone involved."
Martin Conlon, president of the Shirley Lions Club, added: "It
was a fantastic day with something for everyone and obviously the
most important thing is that we managed to contribute to two great
charities.
"A lot of people came in fancy dress and there was a prize for
the best one which went to Thomas Halil and Grace Carpenter for
their cavemen costumes.
"There were also prizes for the oldest and youngest competitors
along with the competitive runners who were looking to take things
a bit more seriously.
"Everyone had a lot of fun and we already looking forward to our
next run which will take place on Sunday, September 11."