A Hull accountant is running 25k on 25 April to fund 25 pairs of sports glasses for financially disadvantaged children who cannot afford what is often a very expensive piece of kit.
Andy Steele, Director of 360 Chartered Accountants, started running during lockdown to improve his physical and mental health. Last year, he entered his first race, the Hull Half Marathon, to raise much-needed funds for his firm’s charity, the 360 Grass Roots Foundation, which provides financial support for families and carers of children in the HU1 to HU9 postcode areas who are struggling with the cost of sports subscriptions, kit or travel. When the trustees told him about the number of requests from parents and coaches for sports glasses, Andy decided to set himself a new challenge, 25k, which will be the furthest he has ever run! He said:
“I’m hoping to raise enough money to enable the Foundation to pay for 25 pairs of sports glasses for children. You would be amazed how many of them are running around the football and rugby pitches of Hull, not being able to see properly. Sadly, some of them are now prevented from playing at all because their sight is so poor and the cost of these glasses is simply beyond the reach of their families.
“I have tried to run 25k once before but quit after 22k. My brain was telling me that was my limit and I didn’t have the motivation to carry on through the pain. This time, though, I will be better prepared and will hopefully have some sponsorship to keep my motivation up. I’ve also got Paul Spence, from Paul for Brain Recovery, running the last few kilometres with me which will be a massive help.”
Sophie Holmes, Chair of the 360 Grass Roots Foundation, said:
“Sports glasses are by far the most requested item we have been asked to fund. They can cost anywhere between £100 and £250 so we are all cheering Andy on for this amazing feat! We would also like to thank Jessica King and David Quirke from Q&K Optical, trading as Boots opticians, who have agreed to supply the sports glasses to us at half price. This is going to make a huge difference to the lives of these children and we are incredibly grateful.”
Andy is hoping to raise £2000 from his 25k challenge. If he manages to raise any more than that, it will be added to the 360 Grass Roots Foundation pot to fund other requests for kit, subs or travel.
To sponsor Andy, please visit his Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/page/25challenge
Meanwhile, for more information about the 360 Grass Roots Foundation, please visit: www.360accountants.co.uk/360-foundation