We're running the Great West Run Half Marathon to raise money for Libraries Unlimited.

Kerry's Story:

Those who have known me a long time will know that I've completed half marathons in the past but it's been 14 years (& a couple of children) since I last ran that distance (I'm basically starting from a level of zero miles), so this is going to be a real challenge, especially as it's a hilly course!

Jen’s Story:

This is my first race of any kind and I couldn’t think of a better charity to fundraise for than Libraries Unlimited. We are so fortunate to have a library in our town when so many others have closed and we all benefit from the hard work of Kerry and the library staff and volunteers.

We’ve chosen to raise money for Libraries Unlimited as for Kerry working in Ottery library has given her a unique perspective on the impact libraries have on people's lives. Jen has also witnessed this when using our library.

Our books unlock new worlds—children find magic within the pages, and they serve as companions for adults. But libraries are about more than books. We provide so much more—a community space, baby weigh-ins, Bounce & Rhyme sessions for toddlers, IT resources, company and a chat over a cup of tea, Lego clubs and craft groups for school-aged children, holiday activities, reading schemes, book clubs, and various craft groups....I could keep going as libraries offer all this and more!

In our current climate where we all have to be mindful about reduce, reuse and recycle, libraries are one of the ultimate resources. We offer eBooks/eAudio/eMagazines/eNews, all our physical stock is borrowed multiple times, we accept donations of nearly new books which we then resell to raise money for our charity. At Ottery Library we offer a collection point for old phones/tablets, jewellery, currency and stamps, which then get collected, recycled and a share of the profits from this is given to us. We are also a collection point for spectacles which we send to our local Lions club, who then recycle them.

By supporting our 1/2 marathon you are helping to ensure more children have access to books and resources they need to succeed. Every donation, no matter how small will make a difference and help ensure the next generation of readers.

About Libraries Unlimited:

Libraries Unlimited's Vision is 'Enriching Lives, Building Communities'.

As the charity responsible for running 54 libraries across Devon and Torbay, we serve around 1 million people to:

- reduce literacy inequalities

- combat social inequality

- help develop skills for life

- combat isolation and support wellbeing

Every penny we raise goes back into developing our services.