Smileathon run is going to be all about 'the fun'

FROM smart suits to running shoes – and even fancy dress... figureheads from North East Lincolnshire Council are swapping the town hall for the seafront to take part in Smileathon.

This Sunday, the biggest single fundraiser EVER to take place for charities in our area is being planned for this year.

Smileathon is the first ever sponsored run in our area where all the money raised will go to eight local charities.

It is hoped tens of thousands of pounds will be raised, with not a penny of the cash going out of the local area.

And there is still time to sign up. No matter what the weather is, you can hop, skip, jump, walk or run the route on Cleethorpes seafront, and all money raised will go to: Cleethorpes RNLI; Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital Macmillan Ward and A1 Trust Fund; The Ark Animal Rescue and Retirement Home; North East Lincolnshire Women's Aid; The Laura McPhee Memorial Fund; North East Lincolnshire Disability Sports Forum; Harbour Place Day Centre; Friendship at Home Scheme.

Tony Hunter, the chief executive of North East Lincolnshire Council, cannot wait for Sunday to arrive.

"I have a fancy dress costume ready – but I am not revealing what it is!" he said.

"I run long distances already and run between 30 to 40 miles a week around the area...but this isn't a race, it's all about fun!

"Smileathon is about getting together as a community and generating as many funds as possible for local, worthy causes.

"I am really looking forward to the day and I am sure many others are too.

"With the job I have got, I really enjoy taking time out by running and thinking things through – and I have really solved a lot of problems while running!"

John Fenty, a Conservative councillor for the Humberston and New Waltham ward, will be donning his running gear.

He said: "This is a great community initiative and I am proud to be taking part in it.

"It is for eight excellent causes and it is fantastic that all the money will go towards making a difference in our area.

"Taking part is very much out of my comfort zone, but it will be all worth it when I raise money for the needy charities – I will have to dig out my trainers!

"I hope everyone follows suit and joins in to raise thousands of pounds for local, worthy causes."

The Deputy Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Councillor Peggy Elliot, will be walking the route.

"I haven't done any preparation – but I am sure I will be fine walking the 5k because I go on regular strolls," she said.

"It's great that it's all for local charity which is important to me because the money wont get swallowed up by big charity giants."

Councillor Ian Lindley, the portfolio holder for people services, will also be walking.

"I will probably do a gentle walk and maybe a bit of a jog – it will give me the chance to mingle with people," he said.

"I used to do a lot of running such as the Great North run about 12 years ago – so I will have to see if my running gear will fit me!

"I will be taking part with fellow councillors and my wife, who will probably run and put me to shame!"

Steve Norton, Conservative Councillor for the Humberston and New Waltham Ward, cannot take part due to an ankle injury.

He will be doing his part by sponsoring others and cheering participants on during the day.

"I think Smileathon is a fantastic idea and there should be more charity events like this in our area," he said.

"It is great that they are local charities and it is a chance where everyone can get together and socialise.

"I praise those who have taken time out to organise it and it will be an achievement in just taking part."

And for people with disabilities – if you have been inspired by Paralympics 2012 to get fit and active, why not take part in Smileathon.

There is the chance to complete a one-mile lap at 11am within the arena. Go on – give it a go!

The Smileathon is supported by the Grimsby Telegraph and the committee, which chose the charities, compromises of Barry Howells, who was instrumental in making the Pink Rose Appeal a huge success, his former business associate and musician David Evardson, well-known community fundraiser Pete Jolly, businesswomen Sarah Bratton and Denise Rudd and Telegraph editor Michelle Lalor.

It is hoped between £10,000 and £50,000 will be raised from the £5 entry fee and sponsorship.

Get involved

It's not too late to join in the Smileathon. Simply turn up to Meridian Park on the day and pay £5 for an entry pack, but make sure you are there in plenty of time before the event at 11am. Disabled participants are also welcome, and have a route marked out.