The weather did not dampen the spirits of the many runners who took part in the third Hilly Helmet Challenge on 14th August. This fun-packed, four-ish mile race was organised by brain tumour survivor Robin-Mark Schols, and this year was bigger and better than ever, raising more than £4,000.
After complications from brain surgery four years ago, keen runner Robin had to endure the discomfort and even ridicule of wearing a helmet as he trained to gain back his fitness. This inspired him to organise the Hilly Helmet Challenge, as a way of raising funds and awareness for brain tumours.
This year, 185 runners donned helmets of all shapes and sizes and braved the rainy weather to take part. Warminster’s John Reed put in an impressive performance to complete the course in 27:37 and lead the runners home in slippery conditions. First woman was Jen Marlow, completing the course in a time of 33:58. The prize for Best Helmet went to three-time Hilly Helmet runner, Jenna Lovelock, for a stunning papier mache creation featuring the logo of the charity Brain Tumour Support, as well as an intricate 3D brain design, complete with flashing lights.
“The total raised from the event this year has surpassed our wildest hopes and we can’t thank everybody enough for their generosity through giving time, donations of money and prizes,” said Robin. “And I would like to thank our event partners who foot the bill to make it all happen and ensure our charity, Brain Tumour Support, get every penny that the runners give us.”
Brain Tumour Support is dedicated to providing support for patients, families and carers so that no-one feels alone facing the effects of a brain tumour diagnosis. The charity provides individualised and specialist information, guidance and emotional support, at any point from diagnosis and for as long as it is needed.
“The money raised by this year’s Hilly Helmet Challenge is enough to fund one of our support groups for nine months,” said Tina Mitchell Skinner, CEO and founder of Brain Tumour Support. “It is an amazing amount of money and will make a real difference to the lives of the people we support. We rely entirely on donations such as this to run our services, which are a lifeline to thousands of brain tumour patients and their families across the UK. Thank you Robin and everyone who supported the Hilly Helmet Challenge!”
Robin-Mark continued, “It would be great if all who ran the Hilly Helmet this year would leave a review of the race using https:// racecheck.com/races/the-hilly-helmet-challenge/. If we get 30 reviews we will receive an excellence award from our website hosts Racecheck.
“Also, put 12th August 2020 in your diaries as we will be returning for the fourth year of Hilly Helmet!
“A big thank you to Leighton Sports Centre for hosting the event and also to Westbury Cricket Club who opened the bar and held a barbecue for the runners. Their involvement shows a great reflection on Westbury.”
Pictures by Martin Pearce and
Dave Edmonds
