#THANKFULTHURSDAY Our Vitality Big Half Fab Five

This Thursday we are thankful to five of our incredible Mintridge supporters. On Sunday, when many of us were having a Sunday lie-in or tucking into a lazy brunch in our PJs (or doing the first of their miles for #MovingMarch), Tara, Georgina, Alasdair, Katie and Francie were braving Storm Jorge and pounding the streets of London in the challenging Vitality Big Half 2020 half marathon.

These five heroes are associated with Mintridge on a variety different levels and they all have varying experience of challenges like this. What they all have in common is that they are passionate about the Mintridge Foundation and what we do.

Superhero name: Captain Chatterpod

Secret alias: Alasdair Hooper, Podcaster

Link to The Mintridge Foundation: Podcast Partner

Experience: A regular Park Runner on Saturday mornings, but a half marathon is well beyond his usual 5km. He has seriously pushed himself out of his comfort zone as he knows that it is such an important cause.

Superpower: The gift of the gab

The ‘why’: “From a personal standpoint, sport has long been something to help my mental health – so it was time to put my money where my mouth is, knuckle down and train to raise some cash for a worthy cause! This was my first ever half marathon.

The Mintridge Foundation is a charity that resonates very closely with me thanks to the importance placed on sport and mental wellbeing. Having gotten to know the charity's founder, Alex, it's clear she has a lot of the same beliefs as myself.”

Sponsor him here.

Superhero name: The Sharp Shooter

Secret alias: Georgina Roberts, Olympic Trap & Woman of the Future

Link to The Mintridge Foundation: Ambassador

Experience: She may be sporty, but this was Georgina’s first ever half marathon and she had to step out of her comfort zone and regular training. She has gone above and beyond her role as an ambassador to raise money to support the Mintridge Foundation and for that we can’t thank her enough.

Superpower: Laser vision & pinpoint accuracy

The ‘why’: “The Mintridge Foundation does an amazing job and I hold the work they do very close to my heart. I would like to be able to support them in any way I can.”

Sponsor her here.

Superhero name: TARA THE TREMENDOUS

Secret alias: Tara Belcher, Founder of After Umbrage

Link to The Mintridge Foundation: Trustee

Experience: Tara has completed half-marathons and marathons before. She already gives The Mintridge Foundation so much of her time as a trustee. To also train, run and fund raise for us is so incredibly selfless and generous. Thank you!

Superpower: Generosity and wisdom

The ‘why’: “I have been lucky enough to witness the wonderful work team Mintridge do and their results are amazing. In a world that can be confusing, daunting and often isolating, they offer the gift of self-belief and the opportunity to participate and enjoy the benefits of sport. So much so that I thought i would dust off the trainers and get back out there myself and attempt the Vitality Big Half marathon.”

Sponsor her here.

Superhero name: GOODIE TWO TRAINERS

Secret alias: Katie Good, Associate (Solicitor)

Link to The Mintridge Foundation: Friend and supporter

Experience: Marathon pro – this girl just loves to run! She completed the Seville Marathon just 7 days before the run!

Superpower: Super speed

The ‘why’: Katie’s friendship with Alex, our founder, was cemented through a mutual love of sport when they were only 7 years’ old, a classic example of the camaraderie and friendship that sport can instil in people. What better reason for supporting The Mintridge Foundation than that?

Sponsor her here.

Superhero name: MISS INCREDILAW!

Secret alias: Francie Clark, Yoga instructor, Trainee Charity Solicitor

Link to The Mintridge Foundation: Friend and supporter

Experience: Francie has completed a marathon before but was keen to raise awareness of Mintridge’s great work.

Superpower: Balance and focus

The ‘why’: “Days like today remind me how important movement is to me and the other 17000 odd runners taking part, all using running as a tool for physical or mental health and coming together to do it. It reminds me how important charities like @mintridgefdn are in bringing sport to young people. Thanks to all supporters who are the real heroes because days like today do not happen without you!”

Sponsor her here.

Our amazing Vitality Big Half runners have been raising money for The Mintridge Foundation here. So far they have raised over £1600, which is enough to fund three Bronze Programme in schools, but they would love to reach their target of £2000! Using Sport Value Bank, we can calculate that this £2000 to cover the cost of our programmes in schools will have a significant value to society. In fact the forecast for the social value created with £2000 would be £10,180!

You don’t need to be a seasoned athlete or closely linked to The Mintridge Foundation to do something heroic. All you need is a passion for encouraging young people to live active lifestyles and a belief that sport has a positive impact on your physical and mental well-being.

Feeling inspired to get involved and become a Mintridge superhero? Find out how you can support us here or take a look below.

Thinking about taking on a challenge but don’t know where to start? Set your alarm and get yourself to your nearest Park Run this Saturday morning at 9am. This week is sponsored by This Girl Can in line with International Women’s Day. Male or female, experienced runner or newbie, Park Run is one of the most inclusive, supportive and friendly things that we have ever been a part of. Run, jog or stroll, it’s difficult not to be inspired to push yourself further… plus you can get your miles in for #MovingMarch whilst also raising money for The Mintridge Foundation with the Fit4Change app.

Northants Shires & Spires Running Event, Saturday 16th May (10km, Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra Marathon)

Vitality London 10,000 – Monday 25th May 2020 (10km RUN)

28 Not Out - Thursday 9th & Friday 10th July 2020(28 Hours of Non Stop Activities for the Max Hunter Fund)

Prudential Ride London – Sunday 16th August 2020 (100 mile CYCLE)

Great North Run - Sunday 13th September 2020 (13.1 mile RUN)

Swim Serpentine - Saturday 26th September 2020 (2 mile SWIM)

Northampton Half Marathon - Sunday 27th September 2020 (13.1 mile RUN)

Royal Parks Half, Sunday 11th October 2020 (13.1 mile RUN)