Leading business figures from Yorkshire and Lincolnshire gathered for the official launch of Run With It’s new Patron’s Scheme – an initiative designed to secure vital funding for the educational charity’s ongoing work whilst supporting its ambitious plans for growth across the region.
Run With It aims to improve core educational skills in both Maths and English while learners also develop essential life skills that go beyond the classroom walls.
The exclusive event, held at Hotham Hall in East Yorkshire, welcomed influential guests from the area’s top businesses, all eager to learn more about how they can play a part in making a tangible difference. Those attending were given a first-hand insight into the life-changing impact the charity has on those it supports, with an inspiring address from director Lisa Dawson. She said:
“Our whole ethos is to inspire, motivate and educate the generation of tomorrow who are getting left behind and ignored. We want to give young people those lightbulb moments in life that help them change their direction and support them on a pathway to succeed.
“Consider the fact that Hull is the fourth most deprived area in education in England and the sixth most deprived in terms of household income. Some children to the east of Hull have never seen the Humber Bridge, while in Bridlington, the 10th most deprived town in the country, we see children who haven’t seen the sea, even though they live in a seaside town.
“The generosity and commitment of our patrons will be instrumental in allowing us to not only continue this vital work but also expand our reach to help even more young people.”
Chris Huscroft and Mark Batty, both executive headteachers as well as trustees, told everyone how passionately they believe in bringing learning to life by taking children out of the classroom. In schools, their biggest challenge, they said, is balancing budgets, so when they want to do activities that will have an incredible impact on their children’s education, it comes down to whether or not they can afford it.
Shaun Watts, Chair of Run With It, spoke about how Run With It massively punches above its weight in terms of the support it provides and the outcomes it delivers, telling businesses:
“There is so much more we can do – but we can’t do it without your support. As business leaders, we all need to foster talent and aspiration in our local area. We are always getting knocked by others saying there’s not enough talent in the region, but that’s simply not true. We just need to tap into it properly.”
The Patron’s Scheme has three levels, providing different ways for businesses to engage with the charity to help fund either their intervention programmes or enrichment days.
With several high-profile business leaders already pledging their support, Run With It is now inviting more companies to join the Patron’s Scheme and become part of a movement that is set to drive real change.
Founder of MKM David Kilburn and his wife Linda are long-time supporters of the charity and hosted the event at their stunning home. Mr Kilburn said:
“I am in awe of people like Lisa and the way they can change young people’s lives. By supporting Run With It, we’re not just helping young people achieve their potential, we are shaping the future – creating a pipeline of talent that will drive innovation and economic growth in our region for years to come.”
Meanwhile Mandy Barmby, Commercial Director at Colt Construction, said:
“We joined the Run With It charity patron scheme because we believe in the power of community and the impact of collective effort. Supporting this cause allows us to help make a real difference to children’s lives and I am honoured to be part of a team working toward positive change.”
Added benefits for businesses of being a patron include demonstrating their corporate social responsibility, gaining access to exclusive networking opportunities as well as brand visibility.
Run With It works out of five locations, including Hull’s MKM stadium, the Flemingate shopping centre in Beverley, Bridlington Town football club, Sewell Group Craven Park in East Hull and Humberside Airport.
For more information or to join Run With It’s Partner Scheme, please email: lisa.dawson@runwithithull.co.uk