March through March in the Marches is mayor’s message
The Mayor of Oswestry has thrown down the gauntlet to people in the community, urging them to help him march through March in the Marches.
The 3Ms challenge has been dreamt up by Councillor Duncan Kerr to raise funds for Hope House Children’s Hospice.
The avid cyclist is asking others to run, cycle or walk 10 times through the month of March with a choice of three levels of distance.
He became mayor in May last year and said the year had been a hard time for many residents but also a difficult time to raise money for local charities.
Councillor Kerr said: “At the start of my term I announced I would be donating my entire mayoral allowance to the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service, but I also wanted to do something to support Hope House Children’s Hospice.
“Along with many other charities they have lost a lot in income during the pandemic. It has taken a bit of creative thinking to design a Covid-compliant event, but I am delighted to launch the first of what I hope will become an annual event in the Oswestry calendar, the 3M challenge: Marching in March in the Marches.
“The challenge has three levels so everyone can participate. From M1 which involves running or cycling just over 55 km over the month of March; to the M3 challenge which is nearly 300 km of running or cycling in the same month.
“Whatever distance you do the mental and physical health benefits are significant,” he said.
Full details of the challenge, along with sponsorship forms and information on how to enter are available on the town council and Hope House websites. Entry is just £10, with every penny raised paid directly to Hope House.
“We hope that participants will share the highs and lows of participating on the social media accounts of both these organisations and search for Marching in March in the Marches on social media.”
Lynsey Kilvert, fundraising manager of Hope House, added: “The past year has been really challenging for us. Our shops’ doors have been closed and our fundraising events cancelled.
“We ended 2020 facing £1.37 million in lost income and our finances continue to struggle as we begin 2021. We are so grateful to the Mayor of Oswestry for choosing to support Hope House with his 3M challenge.”
She added: “Only with the help of supporters like Councillor Kerr, will Hope House be there for every local child that needs us.”
