Job Done .... This is a first!!!
Doug Brand, founder of Wantage Silver Band in 1972, finished the London Marathon 2009, in the top half of the 35,000 finishers. More significantly, he was the first, and probably the only, runner who has lived with diabetes for 50 years, to do so! Starting in September 2008, he ran more than 1150 miles preparing and this included 5 runs of more than 20 miles. “So what?” you might well say, “So did many others.”
Well, Doug (aged 63) ran the Marathon to celebrate 50 years of type 1 insulin dependent diabetes. Doug quotes “Exercise has always been an integral component of my diabetes management and I want young diabetics, in particular, to take heart from awareness that the condition does not have to place barriers to a full and active life”
Doug is no newcomer to running Marathons having taken part in four previous events and was able to finish the 2002 Paris Marathon in less than four hours. Doug is raising funds for the two charities close to his heart, The Wantage Silver Band and Diabetes UK.
Wantage Silver Band
We are an amateur organisation, registered as a charity and currently with more than 180 players. Firstly we provide excellent musical tuition and loan instruments to young children and quite often parents and friends also wishing to learn how to play. Secondly we provide entertainment to local audiences through concerts and open-air events such as summer fetes and compete in County and National area contests. We also support local Civic events and lead parades for organisations such as the Scouts & Guides and the Royal British Legion. Wantage Silver Band has also played at recent concerts which helped to raise money for other key charities.
New Band Hall Plans
From 1978 our Band Hall was located in the grounds of the Newbury Street C of E School; however after completely rebuilding the school in 2003 there was no chance to accommodate the Silver Band. Currently the band is “homeless” and our practices are split between several church halls and local community facilities.
Wantage Silver Band has now taken a 99-year lease on "Tugwell Field" which is on the outskirts of town and planning permission has been granted for us to build our new Band Hall. This means that right now all efforts are being made to raise the necessary funds. The entrance road to the site has started and we urgently need to start building our purpose dersigned centre.
Sponsoring Doug’s run will recognise and support the outstanding community mission of Wantage Silver Band.
Donations through Justgiving is quick, and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Wantage Silver Band gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation. Thank you very much for your support and encouragement!
