The Hardenberg&Co team is putting on their trainers to tackle 13.1 miles of the 2018 Stafford Half Marathon on behalf of Bliss – the charity for babies born too soon or too sick. Held in March, the Stafford Half is a popular race on the local race calendar, attracting some 4000 runners: four of the H&Co team are more than up for the challenge!

Bliss holds a special place in H&Co’s heart as Managing Director Julie Ebrey’s son, Marc, a surviving twin, was born at just 24 weeks weighing a tiny 1lb 60z. Following the medical care Marc received in those early days and months, Julie has been a passionate advocate of Bliss.  In 2013 she ran the London Marathon and raised nearly £17,000 for Bliss. This year she’s welcomed Sarah Greensall, Selina Jones and Emma Dutton to join her on Team H&Co in the fundraising efforts.

Julie commented, “After a few chats in the office we realised we had some budding athletes who were up for the challenge of a half marathon. To keep us focused we decided to raise money for charity and Bliss was the obvious choice. Bliss is a wonderful charity that supports vulnerable babies and parents in those early times: babies don’t come with a manual and this is even more apparent in the case of premature or sick babies. Anything we can do to support Bliss as they nurture those early moments is so important to us.”

Training is coming along well with the ladies donning the Lycra at every opportunity and covering the miles. It hasn’t been easy, particularly building up the mileage in the face and snow and cold weather throughout January and February.