Grand Western Canal Organisers announce £25,000 fundraising goal for CLIC Sargent

The 27th Grand Western Canal 10k Run and Walk in aid of CLIC Sargent takes place on Sunday, 19th July 2020, starting at the Tiverton Canal Basin and finishing at The Sampford Peverell Playing Fields, followed by a family friendly festival.

In 2019, the Grand Western Canal 10k run and festival raised £22,637 for CLIC Sargent. For this year's event, the committee has set themselves an even higher fundraising goal of £25,000.

Sponsored by local Mid Devon businesses, most notably Adopstar and The Globe Inn, the 10k run follows a picturesque route along the Grand Western Canal from the Canal Basin to the Sampford Peverell Playing Fields. Last year saw the run sell out, and over 725 participants on the day came together to fundraise for CLIC Sargent. CLIC Sargent is the leading UK charity providing support to young people and children diagnosed with cancer.

"Last month, the committee went up to Bristol to visit CLIC House and Sam's House. These are two of ten nationwide "homes from home" close to principal treatment centres, run by CLIC Sargent helping families avoid the extra financial burdens of travel and accommodation by providing them with a free place to stay whilst their child is undergoing cancer treatment." explains Theresa Benson, spokesperson for the GWC10k committee.

"It was an eye opener as to how much CLIC Sargent do beyond the words we read or hear from others. The team behind the charity make an incredible difference to the families who stay with them. From providing a sterile yet homely environment for children who have undergone bone marrow transplants, to help local families who just need a place to collect themselves, during their child's treatment at Bristol hospital. £25,000 is an ambitious amount to raise in only one event, but we have a team of dedicated volunteers who are working extremely hard to make it happen."

The committee of six volunteers hope the Mid Devon community will come together again to support The Grand Western Canal 10k & Festival this summer. "Local generosity and enthusiasm as well as the fundraising efforts of our amazing runners and walkers, are what made our event so successful last year and we hope this year we can count on their help again!" says Theresa.

Last year’s 850 participant slots sold out completely, and a waitlist had to be operated, with 725 taking part. This year, running spaces are again having to be limited. The organisers confirm running spaces will be limited to 525 and walking spaces to 325 registrations.

Registration for the run costs £15.50 for adults and £5.00 for children. The fee includes a medal, refreshment stations along the way as well as a time chip. As confirmed by the organisers in October 2019, the run will be chip-timed for the first time in the history of the Grand Western Canal 10k.

Runners may enter as a team with the biggest team being awarded a dedicated Trophy. Fundraising efforts will also be rewarded, with the individual with the most sponsorship money raised being awarded a trophy too.

In addition to the 10k run, walkers of all ages and dogs on leads are encouraged to participate in the 10k Grand Western Canal Walk on the same day. Walkers depart after all runners have left the start line. Exact timings, registration for the run or walk and more information about the event itself can be found on the organisers website and the respective Facebook/Twitter or Instagram Pages.