A GROUP of Solihull mums are dusting off their slippers and whipping out their walking sticks ready for the Knowle Fun Run this Sunday, May 15.
Yvette Fletcher, Elizabeth Argyle, Marie Howarth, Gail Lawson, Nita Grantham, Ranbir Sahota, Sharon Coane, Wenke Langhoff-Gold, Frances Bate and Samantha Turner have taken part in the run twice previously, dressing as grannies each time.
This year they decided to try to make a difference with their run, by raising money for Age UK Solihull, a local charity that supports older people in the Solihull borough with some of the challenges faced in later life.
The grannies have raised £330 for the charity so far, and they will also be collecting donations in buckets as they run.
Yvette, who used to work for Age UK Solihull: said, “Having worked for Age UK Solihull as a home support worker, I have seen the real difference the charity’s services can make to an older person’s life.
“From practical support around the home, befriending and emotional support, to falls prevention classes, social clubs and advice, they all contribute towards helping older people feel less vulnerable and isolated and more ‘themselves’.
“One housebound gentleman told me that having a friendly face from Age UK Solihull, once a week, for a chat and to look through photo albums, gave him something to look forward to, and he felt ‘less lonely’ and more connected with the ‘goings on’ in the outside world.”
Rebecca Jacob, fundraising manager at Age UK Solihull added: “Thank you to Yvette and the rest of the grannies for choosing to raise funds for Age UK Solihull by completing this year’s Knowle Fun Run.
“As a local charity, every penny raised makes a difference and all the money raised will stay in Solihull to help us support around 10,000 older people in the borough each year.
“Dressing as grannies for the run will really put the fun into their fundraising and will help spread the word about the work we do.”
To sponsor the grannies, visit: https://givepenny.com/yvettefletcher_running_strava_and_spotify-14274
