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Headway marks 20th year with Mighty Mile fundraiser

Islanders of all ages and abilities flocked to the track at Footes Lane for the Mighty Mile – an inclusive fundraising event in support of local charity Headway.

Left to right, the Headway team, service director Orla-Marie Manning, activities co-ordinator Geraldine Williams and chief executive Philippa Stahelin.
Left to right, the Headway team, service director Orla-Marie Manning, activities co-ordinator Geraldine Williams and chief executive Philippa Stahelin. / Sophie Rabey/Guernsey Press

The event invited participants to do laps of the track at their own pace, whether at a stroll or sprinting for a personal best, to raise money for the Bailiwick’s only dedicated brain injury charity, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

‘This is the first time we’ve done this event, but looking at how it’s been received, we’d definitely do it again,’ said Headway chief executive Philippa Stahelin.

‘It was a free event for the community, and you can walk or run and bring the whole family. It’s about just enjoying a fun day out.’

Event participants ranged from Guernsey Athletics athletes to mothers with prams, and also included some of those who have directly benefitted from Headway’s support.

‘I had a stroke four years ago, so it’s been four years of recovering, and I now go to Headway every Friday,’ said participant Mike Spiller, who had, an hour into the event, already completed five laps of the track.

‘Head injuries really affect your whole life. Both mine and my wife’s life changed completely, and Headway also has support groups for family, which is really important – I think sometimes that side gets missed in the public conversation.’

In addition to the intermittent mile-long races, the morning also featured a range of athletic events, including a family relay, and the sustenance of a cake stand.

The event was sponsored by Ravenscroft Construction, some of whose members have personal reasons to support the charity.

‘It’s a charity that means quite a lot to us, because we have family members who have used their support,’ said Ravenscroft Construction’s Jo Ravenscroft.

‘We’re very proud to be supporting Headway.’

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