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THE RUNNERS POURED IN AS THE RAIN POURED DOWN

It poured down with rain and people got drenched to the skin. Knowing the forecast, many would have stayed in bed, but just under 200 intrepid runners and walkers, from cross country racers to dog walkers and weekend ramblers, still turned out for Feed The Children (UK) yesterday (Sunday 4th September) when they strode out to take part and raise money in the Samuel Hood Memorial 10K Peppard Fun Run/7K Walk in Rotherfield, Peppard, Oxon.

Overall winner and first man home was Thomas Watkins (19), the 2010 winner, from Great Sheffield, Hungerford who finished in just 36 minutes 43 seconds and beat his last year time by 3 seconds. Thomas is currently a student at Cambridge University. Fastest woman was Elaine Laver (36) from Reading who recorded a time of 44 minutes 31 seconds. All winners received trophies sponsored by The Hood Family and Thomas' name will also go on the annual BookRabbit.com winner's shield. The Hood Family also sponsored the annual Best Fundraiser shield and trophy, which will be presented later in September.

For the juniors, veterans and walkers, first boy home was 15-year-old Sam Andrews from Waltham St. Lawrence who attends Reading Blue Coats School, with a time of 46 minutes 26 seconds. Sam won the junior title last year and this year beat that record by 1 minute 93 seconds. The fastest veteran (over 65) was Roy MacNeil (71) from Earley, again a 2010 winner, who clocked up 49 minutes, 40 seconds. Roy says "the Peppard run is an excellent course, well marshalled and friendly event". The first walker home was Josh Edgar (14) from Wargrave.

"It was fantastic that so many supporters turned out on the day, especially as the forecast was absolutely dreadful and the heavens opened just after everyone set off," says Feed The Children's Chief Executive Officer, Brian Main. "We are grateful to all our sponsors, supporters, volunteers and the former organising Committee's continued support, who established the event for us. It is a superb route for both runners and walkers and we do hope that even more people will come along next year."

The event started and finished at Greys Green Golf Course, thanks to the owners Mr and Mrs Alexander Hood who kindly give permission to use their land. The runners and walkers were fortified with free bananas courtesy of Fyffes; Thames Water supplied the water; massages at the event by Body Retreat; Beville's estate agents of Sonning Common provided the runners' numbers, The Hood Family sponsored the trophies, and the loos were provided by A1 Loo Hire of Wokingham. The money was raised through the entry fees and sponsorship for the race and walk is almost £3k with more sponsorship to come.

DANNY'S FIRST LONDON MARATHON SUCCESS

Daniel Brinkies, age 30, who owns Solid Construction in Shinfield and lives in Sandhurst, broke new ground, showing commitment, strength and determination, when he joined 36,000 people to pound the streets of London yesterday (Sunday) to complete his first ever Virgin London Marathon in a fantastic 3 hours 41 minutes 18 seconds. By completing the 26.2-mile course, Danny has raised well over £3,300 for Tywford-based charity, Feed The Children (UK) and wants to collect even more sponsorship over the coming weeks.

Daniel decided he wanted to run the Marathon for Feed The Children because he knows all about its work from his girl friend, who supports the charity and told him they needed someone to run the marathon and help them to raise money.

"It was a fantastic experience," says Daniel. "There was a tremendous atmosphere all along the course. I felt great and when I got to the 25-mile point and knew that I was really going to make it. The cheers from the crowd gave me an extra boost to the finish."

Danny, whose job keeps him fit, had been training for months with more seriously training runs in the last two months. He even gave up his favourite lager, Stella Artois, to ensure his preparation was as good as it could be. "I had been taking note of what people told me about running in such events," says Daniel. "I also had advice from a physiotherapist on the odd occasion that I needed treatment, which seems inevitable when training for something like a marathon."

RUNNING AND BUSINESS GO HAND IN GLOVE AT SILVERSTONE

Two sporting fashion executives from Maidenhead are swapping designer hats, gloves and scarves for trainers and tracksuits as they gear up to go all out in the Adidas Silverstone half marathon on 6th March to raise money for children’s charity, Feed The Children (UK).

Lidia Festa (43), who owns Italia Accessories, which represents Italian factories who manufacture luxury leather gloves, fabric hats and woven scarves for UK designer companies, will be joined by her colleague 26 year old Ceris O’Neill. Both ladies love sport and want to do their bit to help so are asking friends and family to sponsor them. “Feed The Children is very close to my heart, ever since I heard a talk at Waltham St Lawrence Parish Church about 6 years ago.

They divided the children (including my own two children) into African and western children showing the differences between the foods available to both in a typical week. When our children talked about favourite foods and a typical favourite Sunday lunch compared to the African diet of nothing but rice, I couldn't help crying my eyes out,” admits Lidia. “I couldn't stop thinking about what it would possibly be like to not be able to feed my children on a daily basis or to have to feed them such a poor diet of nothing but rice and water.”

As a result, Lidia is passionate about helping Feed The Children because she wants to do what she can to help poor families in Africa who have such a hard time every day.

Lidia started Italia Accessories 15 years ago and supplies companies such as John Lewis, Jigsaw, Kew and Pringle. She also has her own label, Gala Gloves, stocked in well know stores such as Fortnum and Mason in London as well as the Arnotts and Brown Thomas department stores in Ireland.

FEED THE CHILDREN'S MARATHON CHRISTMAS PARTY

There's still a chance to get tickets for an entertainment packed charity party that will get you into the Christmas spirit whilst raising money for the orphans and vulnerable children that Feed The Children (UK) helps at home and abroad. The family and friends of Feed The Children's marathon runner, Daniel Brinkies from Yateley, are holding a Marathon Christmas Party at the Victoria Hall, Hartley Wintney on Friday 3rd December.

Compered by Reading 107FM's Robert Kenny and starring three Reading's Got Talent finalists, Lauren Bamford, Clifton Medford and Clare Haggarty, fabulous comedienne Jan Jacks and disco music by Titanic Sound of Deepcut, a great evening is in store (7.00pm to 11.30pm).

The tickets are just £15 to include buffet style food and entertainment with all proceeds going to Feed The Children (UK).

Says organiser Caroline Hinton, "We have a great line up of entertainment and people from as young as 3 to 83 will be attending. Any one who wants to join in the fun and raise money for the charity can ring me on 01252 408820 to secure their tickets."

"I have been training hard to do my best in the Virgin London Marathon for the charity and I look forward to lots of people gathering to help me towards my fundraising goal of £7,000."

DIGGING DEEP FOR CHARITY

28th June 2010

29-year-old Daniel Brinkies from Shinfield is doing bucket loads of training in his bid to achieve a life's time ambition to run in next year's Virgin London Marathon for Feed The Children (UK). Danny, the owner of locally based Solid Construction Groundworks, is training hard to build a firm foundation for the marathon.

If you are out and about around the Reading area over the coming months you may well see Danny pounding the streets. Last week his mother-in-law in Hook was surprised when he turned up at her house having run from Shinfield. Only just having started to train, his work keeping him in good condition, Danny already has a base of 13 mile runs under his belt.

Says Feed The Children (UK)'s CEO Brian Main, "We were lucky enough to secure two places in the 2011 marathon for people who wanted to run for us and we have several other running challenges for others to take part in and raise money for the charity. Ring us on 01189 320095 if you are interested in the other runs."

"We are already planning our fundraising strategy," says Daniel, "and my Just Giving Page has already been set up so I do hope people will support me on this run. It's my aim to raise as much money as I can for Feed The Children whilst at the same time achieving a good result in my first ever marathon. Planning and training are key to my success."

From new builds to extensions, driveways and commercial premises Solid Construction Groundworks' success is reflected in Danny's approach. The majority of the company's work has come from repeat business and word of mouth, along with its special relationship with a major local construction company.

Feed The Children (UK) is first and foremost a children's charity but it is also a humanitarian and international relief organisation. The charity works both in the UK and around the world in areas of desperate need, developing sustainable communities, providing food, clothing and meeting other life supporting requirements. Administration costs are very low compared with many other charities with 90% of the charity's donations going towards its work. For more details of Feed The Children's work visit www.feedthechildren.org.uk.

You can also visit Danny's Just Giving Page.