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PLYMOUTH HALF MARATHON
It was on the 27th of May that six members of the Mansbridge & Balment team joined about 4,000 other competitors to take part in the annual Plymouth Half Marathon to raise money for two chosen charities: The Psoriasis Association and CHICKS (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids).
Of those taking part, were Sales Manager, Heather Porter, Emma Armstrong, Jenny Weale and Charlotte Russell from the City Centre office and Kevin Parker from CMB Mortgages. Managing Director Martin Gibbs, based at the Yelverton Office was the only regular runner, but like the others had never attempted 13.1 miles …….. at least competitively!
The event is renowned to be one of the toughest in the country for this distance, taking the participants through the undulating grounds of Saltram Park and out to Elburton before returning (the long way!!) back on to the Hoe. Despite a poor forecast, the weather was warm and sunny until the mid afternoon when the predicted rain and wind came in, by which time all runners were safely home .... just!
Through the generosity of friends, family, work colleagues and associated businesses the team raised £2,800 for their chosen charities. To add to this total, Martin and Charlotte will be running another arduous 13.1 miles for the same charities at Cardiff. They have been assured that it is the same distance they trust there are fewer hills!
Oh, and by the way, in case you are wondering, all six have already put themselves forward for next year’s event but so far have been met with a wall of silence from their colleagues with regards joining in the fun!
For further information on our chosen charities please visit: www.chicks.org.uk and www.psoriasis-association.org.uk
TAVY 7
For the last ten years or so, Mansbridge & Balment have been the main sponsors for the annual Tavy 7 road race organised by Tavistock Athletics Club. Some six hundred competitors from around the region take part, mostly from other running clubs.
In the past the company has been represented by sole participant, Martin Gibbs. However, on the 12th November 2006 he managed to convince a few other hardy souls to train and take part in this seven mile race across moorland roads.
There is no doubt that for the majority of those involved the initial fears of participants soon disappeared. Everyone felt the benefits of evening training during the preceding weeks. On the day, everyone finished in times that they had previously not dared dream of, and snapped up a much deserved prize of a goody bag in which they found …. a Mansbridge & Balment running shirt!
So far no less than twelve staff have put their names forward for this year’s event in which we hope to raise funds towards cancer charities. See next issue for how we all get on!
THE GREAT SOUTH WEST WALK
Taking themselves out of the comfort of their offices and into the fresh Devon air, Martin Gibbs, Darren Lawson and Mark Keane accomplished a particularly strenuous 18 mile section of the Great South West Walk on August 13th. The 630 mile charity event organised by the South West Media Group covered the entire length of the South West Coastal path over 30 days. Divided into 51 legs, Martin, Darren and Mark completed the arduous 20th leg from Lynmouth to Ilfracombe, raising over £2,000 towards their chosen charity, the Wooden Spoon (www.woodenspoon.com).
Raising money for The Wooden Spoon was a huge incentive as the charity endeavours to improve the lives of disadvantaged children through activities, events and the funding of vital equipment.
It was a drizzly start but the rain and fog lifted as did the spirits of the three ramblers who joined another eighteen walkers on the day.
Martin is familiar with the coastal path having walked over two hundred miles of it on previous occasions. He’s particularly appreciative of the fresh air and exercise as well as the beauty of the landscape.Mark was taken aback by the spectacular scenery and rugged coastal views along the route. He was also impressed by the assiduous organisation of the event by the Western Morning News who laid on transport and refreshments for the hike.
There was only time for a quick lunch stop in Combe Martin as rumour circulated that the boys were seen enjoying a well earned but nonetheless sneaky pint; after all they weren’t driving!
The final section from Watermouth Castle, a former Victorian folly, to Ilfracombe harbour allowed the walkers to wind down and take stock of their efforts. Darren and Mark particularly found muscles that they never knew they had and took three or four days to recover yet agreed that whilst demanding it had been very worthwhile. Despite a knee injury Darren enjoyed the challenge of hiking miles along the more remote paths of the North Devon coast, a distance he had never completed in a day.
At the time of going to press, the Western Morning News report that a total figure of around £150,000 has been raised for charity through this event!
THE “LIGHT” SOUTH WEST WALK?
Animal lovers from Mansbridge and Balment, together with many friends and volunteers from Brentor based Wingletang Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre, enjoyed taking their dogs on a walk around Burrator Reservoir on the 9th September. Twenty walkers accomplished one loop of the four mile circular route, with the dogs as eager to go round again. 
Their owners however had other ideas as refreshment had been laid on especially at the Royal Oak at Meavy, managed by a former member of the Mansbridge & Balment team!
Their owners however had other ideas as refreshment had been laid on especially at the Royal Oak at Meavy, managed by a former member of the Mansbridge & Balment team! Apart from the benefits of exercising staff and dogs, the walk raised £300 for the Margaret Green Foundation Trust and helped to lift the profile of Wingletang.
The much needed proceeds will go towards providing care and sanctuary for unwanted, abandoned and cruelly treated animals.
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