Hats off to Headway’s first running event

A variety of fun hats were worn by runners as they gathered at Headway’s base at the KGV in the sun.

Three routes were available to cater for all abilities – 5km, five miles and 500m.

‘This is the first time we’ve run this event so it’s great to have over 100 runners that have come out to support us,’ said Headway executive director Philippa Stahelin.

‘We have been so lucky with the weather as well, the rain at three o’clock this morning did scare me a bit, but it’s a beautiful day.

‘We’ve got people running, we’ve got people walking it, we have kids running around, people with dogs, this is exactly what we wanted which was to have a fun day to celebrate with the community and support Headway.’

Ellena, 8, and Tate Loveridge, 10, were running the 500m race for their auntie who had a stroke.

They showed up to the run with their fun hats which they hoped to keep on for the whole race.

Para-athlete Sophie Veron was joined by John Selvidge and dog Moana after a shopping trip to find their fun headgear.

‘I come to Headway myself because I have a brain injury which is why we’ll be walking the five-mile route rather than running,’ she said. ‘It’s a lovely Sunday morning and a great cause.’

Staff from Aspida Advisory Services took part in the inaugural event.

‘It’s great to take part in community events and Aspida is very community focused and encourages its staff to get involved,’ said compliance consultant Sally Buckley, who also volunteers with the charity.

‘Headway helps people so much and they make sure to stay in touch with people.

‘They’ve got people from all walks of life, with different disabilities and brain injuries and make them feel safe and help them rebuild their lives.’

Aspida had two members of staff doing the 5km, one person running five miles, and four people doing the 500m route.

n Headway Guernsey supports islanders who have experienced head injuries, strokes, brain haemorrhage, brain tumours, meningitis, encephalitis or other brain injuries.