19 Mar HARP’s First-Ever Southend Pier Dash Is Almost Here!
HARP, Southend’s homeless charity, has now filled all of the slots for their first-ever Southend Pier Dash on Sunday 27th March 2022.
The event is sponsored by Ipeco and will see 100 participants run one mile along Southend’s iconic pier, the longest pleasure pier in the world, raising funds to help local people overcome homelessness for good.
Dina Jobson, HARP’s Head of Fundraising said: “We are so excited to bring this brand new event, the first of its kind, to Southend. We hope that this fun and competitive dash will be a chance for people to get involved, fundraise and run in solidarity with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness in and around Southend.”
The Southend Pier Dash is set to be a fantastic new event in the Essex running calendar for all abilities. One of the runners in the Pier Dash competition is Shaun Saunders. Shaun is currently the front runner in fundraising for this event and has raised over £1,200.
Shaun Saunders said: “When I signed up for this event, I wanted to raise as much money as possible. So many people have been supportive of my run. I have had an enormous amount of help to raise the money. I would especially like to thank Triumph in Romford for really promoting and supporting my pier run.”
“It was important for me to get involved in a HARP event to show my support and express my gratitude for the help they gave to my sister when she was in need. I am not a runner, my passion is motorcycles, which is why I will be doing the run in my bike gear. Running down Southend Pier is completely out of my character, but I am happy to do it to raise money for HARP.”
On average, HARP help on average 1,000 local people every year to overcome or avoid homelessness. Shaun’s sister was one of these people.
He continued: “My late sister was widowed very young. She raised 2 incredible sons but as they grew older she began to suffer from depression. She then hit a low point in her life, lost her home and ended up in hospital. Once released, HARP helped to give her a second chance. Unfortunately, she later passed away from cancer, but I am incredibly grateful that HARP took her in and gave her the care and support she needed to make a new start.”
Everyone involved will be running to help give people like Shaun’s sister a second chance and overcome homelessness for good.
To find out more about Southend’s first-ever Pier Dash and to make a donation, check out the website > www.southendpierdash.com
