We really hope you are keeping well in body and mind. We can be thankful at the minute that we can still get out for a run although the rest of day-to-day life is very strange. We have of course no news on training or racing, nor do we expect any anytime soon. You can find the latest information on Coronavirus on the NIdirect website: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19
Volunteer to help
We are, as you know, very much a community based club and feel now that we should join the throng of volunteers helping out those in need. General information on volunteering can be found using this link:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/becoming-volunteer
As a club we are also starting a basic volunteer group in partnership with other groups in the town. The aim is to help isolated folk needing foodstuffs and basic provisions and possibly prescriptions (tbc, in line with HSC guidelines). We have applied to the council grants scheme for some funding for this initiative, but we would request that anyone who could give up some time to be involved would forward their names to Eugene Reid at cllr.ereid@midandeastantrim.gov.uk and copy it to ballymenarunners@hotmail.com
A list of names will be collated and, as and when requests come in for help, we will allocate as appropriate.
We may have to travel in individual/own cars but we would endeavour to ensure no one would be going out to do this on their own.
The more names we can get from willing volunteers, the better of course, for everyone involved!! Many thanks in advance.
Foodbank Request
Donations to the community foodbanks across Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area can now be left at Civic Buildings in Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus for collection. Details can be found using this link:
'Scrubs'
We also have a request from Robin Alexander whose wife Tricia is starting to make hospital scrubs, facemasks and hats for a FB group “NI scrubs”" as a response to a request for help from ALL hospitals and care homes in Northern Ireland . There are a growing army of sewers willing to help but they need Polycotton fabric.
If anyone has duvet covers and pillow case sets they can donate, they can be used to make the scrubs .
If you can donate please contact Robin Alexander on 07743 543211 to arrange pick up or drop off.
Share your running story
We are wanting to add some new stories to the Inspiration section on our website. We know from talking to many people they have great stories to tell about how they got into running, the health benefits they get from it, the many places they have gone running and of course the friends and fun they have in the club.
We would love to hear your story whether you are new to running or a long time runner. Your story can be an inspiration to other runners. It would be good to get stories from people who have taken up running in the past few years as these can be inspiring to people who are new to running or are thinking about taking it up.
We know the stories are worth telling so drop us an email with your story - to ballymenarunners@hotmail.com