Last year I signed up for the Torbay 10K, which was then
expected to take place in June 2020, as a challenge to help me keep motivated
with my running. Little did I know that the race would be postponed 3 times as
Covid-19 changed everything. In some ways this has been very good for me, as for
the first time in my life I have had a reason to try to stay “10K-ready” for a
whole year and a half. With so many of my favourite activities on hold during
the lockdowns, it was good to have something healthy to do that was free (apart
from a good pair of trainers), a reason to get outdoors and could be done
alone. I even teamed up with international online running communities to share
the experience of running in Torbay’s beautiful coastal scenery and see other
locations around the world.

During the first lockdown I decided that whenever the race
finally went ahead, I would like to raise some money for Libraries Unlimited. Not
only is this a lovely, supportive organisation to work for but we provide a
number of vital services in Torbay and Devon, including over 50 libraries,
mobile library services, home deliveries for the housebound, computers for
public use, toddler groups and other opportunities for members of the local
communities to socialise. Kingskerswell Library, where I usually work, has a
lovely community of regulars who have made me feel very welcome. It is clear
that this is a village where everyone looks out for each other and the people
really value their library. Even when we hosted a “pop-up charity shop” event
in the middle of Storm Dennis, some people still turned out in the wind and
rain to give their support.

During lockdown Libraries Unlimited was able to adapt to
provide new services such as online talks and craft and singing sessions,
online reading groups and local delivery services. However, it has not been
possible to provide the usual range of fundraising events. We are a registered
charity, so these events are an important source of income, and that is why I
would like to give something back by raising money.

You can read more about Libraries Unlimited’s work at https://www.librariesunlimited.org.uk/about/our-company/
.

Thank you for your support.