In the year of the pandemic, Altrincham VS Cancer has raised more than £5000 for the Christie
Now in its 8th year, the annual event organised by local social media company Altrincham HQ has had its strongest fundraising year to date
In total over the past 8 years the events have raised over £25,000 for the Manchester based cancer charity
This year over 30 business owners and inviduals took in the event covering a range of businesses from the high street to professional services
The Christie have worked tirelessly over the past year, but have had to change during the pandemic
In a recent interview they detailed they’d lost a quarter of their usual income
“There is no escaping the fact that the last 10 months have tested and challenged us in ways like never before. The temporary closure of our charity centre in the hospital’s Oak Road entrance, the postponement of events, restrictions on any face-to-face contact and monthly donations being cancelled by donors – these have all had an impact on our fundraising. We have been hit hard. In fact we have lost a quarter of our usual income.”
Normally taking place inside Pure Gym Altrincham, the annual fundraiser took a pivot to virtual runs and an “in your own time” model, as Alex McCann explains
“We had 3 choices. Cancel the event for a year; postpone till later in the year; or run it as a virtual race. We decided on the latter and I think we’ve made the right decision. We took the opportunity and, pardon the pun, ran with it. We decided because it was outside and virtual we could introduce some longer runs alongside the traditional 5k race. A lot of our local business owners decided to do 10k runs and Half Marathons runs to really challenge themselves and that’s one of the key reasons the donations flew in this year”
And did you expect to break the fundraising target of by 200%?
“I honestly thought we’d struggle this year. With so many businesses and individuals suffering financial hardship this year due to lockdown I thought it would be a real hard slog. But I think it shows how many people care about the work the Christie does. Every person donating donates in the memory of a loved one who has been impacted by cancer”
Alex says he is already looking towards Altrincham VS Cancer 2022 and is considering a hybrid model for next year’s event
“What has really worked for 7 years of Altrincham VS Cancer is the community feel on the night at Pure Gym when all of run together. It’s integral to the event and that will be back again next year for the 5k runners. But I’ve also learnt when people challenge themselves and step outside of their comfort zones on 10k and Half Marathons people really get behind them. So expect both next year”
If you wish to donate for this year please donate here
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/altrinchamvscancerinyourowntime
(Pic: Rob Macklin of Ian Macklin & Co – Altrincham VS Cancer 2021)
EDITORS NOTES:
The full list of companies and individuals is below
Altrincham & District Athletic Club Under 15-13 girls, Altrincham HQ, Altrincham Town Centre Partnership, Altrincham Unlimited, Altspace, Databroker, Dark Horse, Gran T’s Coffee House, Hill & Hill The Jewellers, Hopewiser, Ian Macklin & Co, Kingsley Recruitment, Learn North West Tutors, Little Red Pizza Co, Mchale & Co, Moore Accountancy, Nicholls Solicitors, Oxford Road Cafe, Smart Divorce, Smart Financial,
Matt Wade, Tony Collier, Mike Ford
