10K Colchester

COLCHESTER'S foodbank has been handed a huge £10,000 boost after the fabulous’ success of Colchester 10K.

Colchester’s rotary clubs donated £10.5K to the city’s foodbank last month, after ‘fabulous’ success of Colchester 10K event in May.

Colchester 10K is an annual charity fundraising event, set up by the city’s rotary clubs, that has been running since 2009.

The event is open to all and consists of a 10K run, giving members of the public an opportunity to raise funds for charities close to their hearts.

Peter Jones, Colchester rotary club member, said: “People enter the event with the view of using it for a fundraiser, for something dear to them.

“Whether they run in memory of a loved one, to support local schools – whatever they wish."

This year’s event was held at Colchester Garrison stadium, and saw record numbers, with more than 900 people participating and an estimated 100 volunteers across all four of Colchester’s rotary clubs.

“This year, post Covid, it seems there was an appetite for people to take part," Peter said.

“We’re so grateful to all that helped the event function." 

Lyla Belshaw, who was awarded a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Junior award for 1500 metres last year, made a special appearance at the event to present awards to the race winners.

All funds raised by the rotary clubs are donated to a local charity of their choice each year.

This year, £10,500 was raised in public donations, which the rotary clubs donated to Colchester’s food bank at their presentation night last month.

“There is such a demand on the food bank, it’s really important to support them,” Peter added.

The city’s food bank was delighted to receive the generous donation.

Nikki Ranson, Co-Director of Colchester Foodbank, said: “We are so grateful to Rotary in Colchester for this extremely generous donation.

“This year, demand for our services has increased dramatically while food donations from the public have fallen,

“Thank goodness for groups like Rotary that make such a positive difference to so many lives."

Colchester 10K is set to take place again next summer, with volunteers encouraging city residents to enter.

For more information on the event, and for next year’s entry enquiries, visit colchester10k.com