Fundraisers ran up a huge total of more than £14k for a local children’s charity when they took part in the recent Warwick Half Marathon.
More than 40 people donned pink to represent Molly Ollys for the annual 13.1-mile race, organised by RunThrough, earlier this month.
The route took the 2,300 runners between the racecourse, along Coventry Road to Leek Wootton, along Rouncil Lane and back to Warwick via Hatton and Hampton on the Hill. A 1km junior run was also held on Sunday, with nearly 100 youngsters taking part.
Founder Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Molly Ollys were delighted to be the chosen charity for the Warwick Half Marathon and the support we received was fantastic. There were over 40 runners in their pink tops raising funds and awareness.
“Olly the Brave was a big hit at the Racecourse, helping to cheer everyone on and Team Molly Olly were out in force along the course and at the finish. The atmosphere was so uplifting. For many of our runners it was their first half marathon so it was a big achievement.
“We even had a family taking part, mum, dad and three siblings running and their younger brother volunteering which was brilliant. Two of our runners were injured but, determined to do it, they ran a little but ended up walking a lot of the course to ensure they could finish.
“They may have been last but we were very proud to cheer them in. Thank you to everyone who has helped us raise over £14,000.”
Molly Ollys was established in 2011 by Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw, from Warwick, following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.
The charity works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing. As well as providing wishes, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.
The therapeutic toy lion called Olly The Brave has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy. These form part of an Olly The Brave pack that has now been handed out to more than 70 hospitals or health centres, along with a set of books from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series.
For more information about Molly Ollys or to donate visit: http://www.mollyolly.co.uk/
Jonathan Davies was the first to cross the line as the Warwick Half Marathon returned for 2025.
The Reading Athletics Club runner completed the 13.1-mile course in one hour, seven minutes and six seconds. Ian Allen came in second (1:07:40) and Charlie Davis third (1:08:31).
Natasha White was the fastest finishing female, completing the course in just under an hour and 20 minutes.
The full list of results is available here: https://results.runthrough.co.uk/results.aspx?CId=16487&RId=5319&EId=5&dt=0
Rob Sullivan, Race Organiser, said: “The Warwick Half Marathon is one of our flagship half marathons and it’s fantastic to have teamed up with Molly Ollys as our Charity of the Year partner. We were delighted the event went well with over 2300 runners taking on the half marathon.”
