Every year, 1,000s of runners don their best gear, or sometimes even fancy dress, and hit Blackpool’s iconic seafront for the Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10K Fun Run. The route starts at the Savoy Hotel, takes participants past the famed Pleasure Beach and returns back to the Savoy Hotel, making for an exciting and picturesque circuit.
Organised by Trinity Hospice in Blackpool, the event channels every sponsorship and one-off donation into providing specialist palliative care and life-changing bereavement support for families facing life’s toughest moments. This year, the fun run was particularly successful, raising an impressive £100,000 to fuel Trinity Hospice’s essential work.
A strong sense of community is at the heart of this event. The Freemasons of the Fylde Coast, renowned for their longstanding support of Trinity Hospice and the Brian House Children’s Hospice, played a significant role. Volunteers such as North Fylde Group Treasurer Jim Gregson of Broadwater Lodge No 9027, Regional Charity Steward Bob Marsden of Rectitude Lodge of Blackpool No 4122, North Fylde Group Community Engagement Officer Russell Forsyth of Royal Oak Lodge No 5919 and Secretary of Fleetwood Masonic Hall Peter Dunn of Pharos Lodge No 7421 ensured the smooth running of the day.
Among the many runners, Shaun Haynes and Carl Bennett from West Lancashire Century Lodge No 2349 stood out. While Carl is set to be passed to the degree of fellow craft at the next lodge meeting, a noteworthy milestone in a Freemason’s journey, Shaun has become a familiar face over his 15-year running journey, having completed the 10K Fun Run 14 times. Shaun isn’t just a participant, but also a committed run leader with the Blackpool Freedom Runners, regularly taking part in park runs and continually raising much-needed funds for various charities. Maybe Shaun and Carl will spur their fellow Freemasons on to join them in next year’s run.
This event not only exemplifies athletic spirit but also binds the community together in support of vital charitable causes. For instance, community-driven initiatives like these often inspire similar local events, fostering a cycle of goodwill and mutual support.
Article by Peter Dunn.