Heaward Solutions’ Post

9 WEEKS TO GO! - PLEASE HELP! In just nine weeks I will be getting ready to take on a huge challenge as I run the 50 km Serpent Trail Race on Saturday 6th July. This event is one of the UK's leading off-road (trail) ultramarathons. This challenging 50 km (31 mile) event starts near Petworth in the South Downs and follows the southern part of the Serpent Trail to Petersfield. Why did I decide to do something like this? Back in 2022, I was overweight and fairly unfit when I started running to train for a 25km event which I ran for charity in September of that year. In doing so I raised just over £1000, lost weight and got quite a bit fitter. Afterwards, I joined a local running club and continued to run regularly, since then I have completed several 5km, 10km and half marathon trail running events. I'm never fast but I have maintained and gradually improved my fitness. Most importantly I want to make a difference by fundraising for two fantastic causes, these are: * The Community Foundation for Staffordshire, a charity dedicated to strengthening local communities across Staffordshire and Shropshire tackling issues of disadvantage and exclusion through the building of permanent endowments and making grants. * The Gingerbread Centre, which provides accommodation for homeless families and single pregnant women in North Staffordshire I would like to try and raise at least £500 for each cause (plus Gift Aid). To date, I have raised £175 for the Community Foundation and £185 for the Gingerbread Centre. I know that with your generous help, these represent realistic goals. Whether a 50 km trail race is a realistic goal for me remains to be seen, however, I'm very determined and I'm out training 4/5 times a week. Recently I also completed a series of three very tough but much shorter trail races to help give me the best possible chance of success. Every donation however small helps boost my motivation further and your support is both vital and greatly appreciated by both the two charities and myself. You can access my JustGiving pages here: https://buff.ly/3JEI8XO (there is a separate page for each cause) Since I started preparing for this challenge I have run 382.82 miles and this is likely to be close to 500 miles by the time the event comes around. #charity #fundraising #trailrunning #serpenttrailrace #heawardsolutions

Our £8,000 UKSPF funding to RideWise, the Nottingham cycling charity, means they can continue offering free cycling sessions every Saturday in Eastwood until March 2025. This support was made possible through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund from the UK Government. The free sessions in Coronation Park on Saturdays have seen families and individuals of all ages learning to ride or brushing up on their cycling skills. RideWise can loan people bikes and helmets to use during the sessions. So far, the programme has helped over 100 people learn to ride a bicycle and has got 6 residents involved in volunteering for the programmes. The Dr Bike team has repaired over 60 bicycles, putting them back into use. Read more https://bit.ly/3CHXhHz

Join Me in Cycling for Charity: Pedal with Purpose This year I’ve decided to turn my love for cycling into a force for good. For every kilometer I ride, I will be donating a set amount of money to charity. It’s a simple yet powerful way to stay fit while making a difference in the world. How It Works: ·     For Every Kilometer Cycled: I’ll donate an amount of money to a charity of my choice. ·     Tracking Progress: I’ll keep a log of my rides and the total distance covered. ·     End of Year Donation:At the end of the year, I’ll tally up the kilometers and make a donation to a chosen charity. Why This Matters: Charities rely on donations to support their crucial work. By turning my cycling routine into a fundraising effort, I’m not only staying healthy but also contributing to a cause I believe in. Whether it’s helping to fight disease, support education, or protect the environment, every kilometer counts. Join the Challenge: I’m inviting you to join me in this endeavor. Here’s how you can get involved: 1.    Pick a Sport: Whether it’s running, swimming, hiking, or any other activity you enjoy. 2.    Set an Amount: Decide how much you’ll donate for each unit of distance or time (e.g., per kilometer, mile, or hour). 3.    Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your activity throughout the year. 4.    Make a Donation: At the end of the year, calculate your total and donate to a charity of your choice. Sharing the Journey: ·     Social Media: Share your progress on social media using the hashtag #RomaniaSportForCharityChallenge. ·     Inspire Others: Encourage your friends and family to participate and make their activities count. Together, we can make a significant impact by turning our passion for sports into a beacon of hope for those in need. Let’s pedal, run, swim, and hike towards a brighter future. Who’s with me? Bogdan

From ICU to Ironman Kona 3 months ago, I faced my toughest challenge, serious illness put me in Intensive care. With my organs failing and a 50/50 chance of survival, my life was on the line.… I’m now on the road to recovery #backstronger. As an 11-time Ironman and endurance athlete, I was training for my 12th Ironman when this happened. Now, I’m not only focused on returning to the sport, but also raising over £20,000 for UK based charities. 💪 How can you help? Your support will not only aid in my journey back to the race but also have a lasting impact on charity partners, helping causes that matter. Here’s how you can get involved: • Donations of £500+ will be recognized on social media and featured on my race day triathlon suit. • Donations of £1,000+ include all the above, plus an opportunity to collaborate on content. • The largest donor can select a charity to receive 50% of all funds raised. This is more than a personal comeback story—it’s a chance to inspire and give back. If you or your organization want to be part of this journey, I’d love to connect and discuss further. https://gofund.me/3f7247a2 If you can’t donate… please share my story. Let’s make a real impact together. 🙌 #Ironman #Resilience #Endurance #Charity #COVIDRecovery #Inspiration #AthleteJourney #Fundraising

In July, my world was turned upside down. My other half, an incredibly strong and determined athlete, contracted COVID.  Within days, we found ourselves in a nightmare: his lungs shut down, his heart was failing, and he was placed in intensive care with a 50/50 chance of survival. I couldn’t believe what was happening. It’s nothing short of a miracle that he’s here with us today. But survival has come at a cost—he’s been living with the physical and emotional scars of his fight, and every day since has been a reminder of the battle we almost lost. Before this, he had a dream: to complete his 12th Ironman and qualify for the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. That dream is still alive. But to make it a reality, he needs help. He’s raising funds to cover the costs of the race to further fundraise and support cancer charities; Action Medical Research for Children, Cancer Research UK and Bowel Cancer UK. 💪 How can you help? Your support can do more than just get him back on track—it can change lives through the charities he’s partnered with. Here’s how you or your company can get involved: • £500+ donations will be recognized on social media* and featured on his race-day suit. • £1,000+ donations will include all the above, plus a chance to collaborate on content. • The largest donor can choose a charity to receive 50% of all funds raised. *As Head Coach at Wild Training, the UK’s best independent gym, Paul has secured training partners with a combined social following of over 650,000, ensuring that this story reaches and inspires a broad audience. I never thought we’d be in this position, but life is unpredictable, and here we are. This journey is about so much more than crossing the finish line—it’s about hope, resilience, and turning heartbreak into purpose. If you’ve made it this far, thank you for taking the time to read our story. Please, if you can, like, share, or support in any way possible. 🙏 Let’s make a dream a reality—and make a difference for those fighting their own battles. https://gofund.me/3f7247a2 #Ironman #Charity #COVIDRecovery #Inspiration #AthleteJourney #Fundraising

🏃♂️ Join Us for the London Marathon: Secure Your Charity Space Today! 🏃♀️ Are you ready to take on an incredible challenge and make a difference at the same time? We have exciting news for all aspiring marathon runners and charity champions: we have secured charity spaces for the iconic London Marathon, and we want YOU to join our team! The London Marathon is not just a race; it’s a journey of determination, resilience, and community spirit. By signing up for one of our charity spaces, you’ll be running for a cause that truly matters. Here’s why you should grab this opportunity: 1. Make a Difference: Every step you take and every mile you conquer will help raise vital funds for our charity. Your efforts will directly contribute to helping the children and adults gain greater independence. 2. Exclusive Benefits: As a charity runner, you'll receive comprehensive support from our team, including training tips, fundraising advice, and a dedicated cheer squad on race day. Plus, you'll get a special charity running top to wear with pride! 3. Be Part of Something Bigger: Join thousands of runners from around the world in one of the most prestigious marathons. Experience the electric atmosphere, the iconic landmarks, and the unparalleled sense of achievement as you cross that finish line. 4. Personal Achievement: Whether you’re an experienced runner or a first-time marathoner, completing the London Marathon is a life-changing accomplishment. Challenge yourself, set new goals, and make unforgettable memories. How to Sign Up: Contact our Fundraising Team 01329 289 500 or email fundraising@rainbowcentre.org Don’t miss out on this chance to run the London Marathon for a cause that matters. Together, we can make a significant impact and achieve something extraordinary. Sign up for a charity space today and let’s cross that finish line together! Ready, set, go – let’s make this marathon unforgettable!

✨ Glutes, the powerhouse of your run, deserve some spotlight. Strengthening these muscles not only enhances performance but also guards against injuries. Here's how: 1. Begin with glute activation exercises to wake those muscles up, like glute bridges, squats, clam and donkey kicks 2. Diversify your training routine with lunges, squats, and lateral leg raises 3. Focus on maintaining proper running posture 4. Don't skip stretching! Incorporate dynamic stretches pre-run and static stretches post-run to enhance flexibility 5. If something feels off, pay attention. Persistent discomfort or pain might be a signal that your glutes need extra attention. Your glutes are the silent heroes; let's give them the care they deserve! 🚀 Check out our link for more handy tips for the perfect Marathon run💫: https://buff.ly/3wPTh4W If you have questions or need advice about running the Marathon or managing an injury, contact the team - we're here to help. . . . . #glutepower #marathonjourney #injuryprevention #londonmarathon #marathon #mobilitywork #keeponrunning #marathonlondon #londonmarathon #running #marathontraining #marathon #runnersofinstagram #runner #runningmotivation #london #runningcommunity #runhappy #marathonrunner #londonmarathontraining #instarun #runners #marathoner #runnerscommunity #runningman #thisgirlcan #runnerslife #marathonrunning #fundraising #charity

🙌 Help Para Rowing Foundation celebrate an epic achievement by 4 high school athletes in Washington DC! Para Rowing Foundation is a non-profit with a global mission; to power athletes with impairments around the world to fulfil their potential through rowing by creating access, opportunities and inclusion. We can only fund initiatives through the generous donations of supporters like you. How delighted were we then to recieve notice that a group of non-para rowers in the States decided to do something epic to support para rowing… and PRF were selected as the fundraising beneficiary. ‘Epic’ looked like a 24-hour session on the rowing machine in 1-hour shifts, live-streamed. ‘Epic’ looked like more than a third-of-a-million metres covered, non-stop. ‘Epic’ looked like $3,450 raised through their supporters, way beyond their $2k target. ‘Epic’ looked like 2 super-subs on hand to step in when needed in order to keep that erg spinning for a full day, Ethan Puckett and Brandon Lo. The young crew (some of which had never met beforehand) overcame mental, physical and even electrical challenges (a power cut midway demanded neighbours to get creative by running power cables down the street!) and stayed motivated enough to complete the job. PRF’s Chair got straight onto a vcall with 3 of the crew to hear the story first-hand and was blown away by their experience, achievement and desire to support para rowing. “Truly epic! It was the first time these guys took on such an endurance rowing challenge but I don’t think it’ll be the last. We’re honoured that they chose to support para athletes through work of PRF. We’ll put the funds they raised to work right away!” -🟢 Steven Dowd, Executive Chair, PRF Join PRF in congratulating and thanking: 👏Ethan Smith of Langley Crew 👏Dillan Pakes of Warhawk Crew 👏Liam Ballew of Warhawk Crew 👏Justin Blagrove of Wakefield Crew Do you have an epic fundraising idea you’d like to share? Would you like to support para athletes globally through the work of PRF? Please let us know at info@pararowingfoundation.org. #ParaRowing #CharityChallenge #Fundraising

🧩✨ #AutismAwareness Top 36 Golf Course Rankings: Post 30 - Course #7⛳️ 🧩 🚨 $11,053 of $15,000 (74%) goal raised 🚨 💰 DONATE - Please help us get there by donating $36 today: https://lnkd.in/e4MFcQfd To represent the 1 in 36 kids affected by Autism in the US, I will be counting down my Top 36 Golf Courses that I have ever played with a short story/memory for each. If you could please consider donating $36 (or more) to Els for Autism via the link above, I would appreciate it ❤️ Golf Course #7 - Trump Turnberry (Ailsa) For course #7 we stay across the pond in Scotland to play the famous Turnberry (Ailsa) course. Founded in 1899 by Archibald Kennedy, 3rd Marquess of Ailsa, the idea for the course came about when a main railroad & passenger train was built close by and the land was not fertile enough for agriculture, thus making a golf course & hotel an excellent money making opportunity. Archibald hired 1883 Open Champion, Willie Fernie, to come in and design the course, which at the time was only 13 holes, and the project was overall successful, luring many golfers from all over Britain who stayed and played Turnberry. Unfortunately, this success was short-lived, because when the World Wars happened, it was decided that the course should be used as an airbase and the hotel as a hospital, as the coastline was too valuable to pass up. The course was essentially ruined as a result. It was not until after the wars when British Transport Hotels convinced government that the course and hotel should be restored, and thankfully for us golfers, the project was approved and architect Mackenzie Ross made it the 18-hole championship masterpiece it now is today. Since then, it has now hosted the Open Championship 4 times, the last being 2009 when Tom Watson famously almost became the oldest major championship winner at age 61, bogeying the last hole and losing in a sudden death playoff to Stewart Cink. I got to play Turnberry in 2018, and talk about a course that is jaw dropping! When you make the turn out on the coast, playing holes alongside the cliffs with the famous lighthouse in view, it is a spiritual experience. Not to mention the course is a very fair test; it’s not short, it’s not long, it rewards good shots and penalizes bad ones. Oh, and the walk down 18 with the hotel in the background isn’t bad either! A true joy to play and I hope to do it again one day ⛳️