Warehouse Manager’s run raises record amount for Mind

A Ferryspeed employee has single-handedly raised over £700 for a local charity by taking part in a five mile run on Hayling Island. Warehouse Manager Kev Lee donned his trainers to raise money for a campaign run by Havant and East Hants Mind called Kids in Havant. Kev, who isn’t a runner and didn’t train for the event which took place on 15 June along the Hayling Billy track, raised £715 solely thanks to the support from his Ferryspeed colleagues. This amount makes Kev the highest individual fundraiser for the charity in 23 years. Kev completed the run in 53 minutes and said it was a struggle. “I didn’t train other than running three kilometres one evening, so it was physically demanding. However there were a couple of people there cheering us on who have been supported by Mind, and they were overwhelmed by what we were doing. “This made it worthwhile and being put out for an hour was a small price to pay for the difference the charity is making to local people. I’ve not done anything like this for charity before but it was afantastic experience and I’m considering running a 10km race at Christmas,” added Kev. He was one of 350 runners who took part in the Victory Athletic Club annual charity run, six of which were running for Mind. Kev’s wife Kelly, who is a former Ferryspeed employee, also took part and raised £125 for Mind. Ross Borman, Development Manager Havant and East Hants Mind said, “As a small charity we depend on local donations and what Kev has achieved is the first of its kind in terms of pro-active fundraising from an individual. “No single person has raised this amount in over two decades, so it’s absolutely brilliant. Not only does this provide much needed funds for the charity but it also raises the profile of mental health,” added Ross. For more information about Havant and East Hants Mind visit www.easthantsmind.org