Spicerhaart fundraisers raise £26,000 in giant stride towards children’s Disneyland trip

Fundraisers from Spicerhaart have stepped forward after months of lockdown restrictions to raise £26,000 to take children from hospices across the UK on a dream holiday to Disneyland Paris.

Employees, family and friends signed up for the half marathon around London’s landmarks which took place on July 18 to raise money for the organisation’s independent children’s charity, Magic Moments.

The 13.1-mile route passed landmarks including the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Big Ben and The Monument. The event was organised by Spicerhaart’s Orion Chapter Managing Director Steven Williams, who said: “Not only are we raising funds for a great cause, but I felt it was important, after many months of working from home, to bring our team together and create a sense of camaraderie.”

A total of 40 runners and walkers took part. He added: “We made it a family-friendly event to ensure everyone could get involved, at their own pace. Fifteen people walked the route, and some even brought their dogs! We also had lots of volunteers to man the water stops, support vehicles, guide the route and much more. My own mum and brother even came along to volunteer at the water point in Hyde Park, despite the 32-degree heat, making it a true family event.”

Steve ran 30 miles a week to prepare for the half marathon, at times running with a friend to share the highs and lows of the past year.

He continued: “Through the various lockdowns, I, like many others, rediscovered running and walking. I thought I would capitalise on these new-found hobbies of many of my colleagues by organising this incredibly inclusive event. Also, many of the colleagues that attended mentioned it felt like the good old days, getting the Spicerhaart family together.”

Managing Director, Antony Lark, was on hand at the finish line to welcome all the participants over the line and provide food and drink at the Fitology venue in Gabriels Wharf. They supported Spicerhaart by opening early to facilitate the event from the South Bank of the Thames.

Emma Barber, chair of Magic Moments said, “We are planning two trips to Disneyland Paris in the next 12 months with the goal of taking 10-15 families each time, subject to Covid restrictions and travelling safely.”

With trips to Disneyland Paris on hold for the past year, Magic Moments donated iPads and Disney memorabilia to the hospices to help vulnerable families to communicate and allow the children to enjoy a bit of Disney magic. 

Magic Moments has raised more than £1 million to support children and their families connected to 12 different hospices since it was launched in 1998. To add your support, contact info@magicmomentscharity.co.uk