Cllr Duncan Kerr has been the Mayor of Oswestry since May 2020, it has been a hard time for many residents but a difficult time to also raise money for the local charities who support them. He explained “At the start of my term I announced I would be donating my entire mayoral allowance to the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service, but I also wanted to do something to support Hope House Children’s Hospice. Along with many other charities they have lost a lot in income during the pandemic. It’s taken a bit of creative thinking to design a Covid-compliant event, but I am delighted to launch the first of what I hope will become an annual event in the Oswestry Calendar the 3M challenge: Marching in March in the Marches.

The challenge has three levels so everyone can participate. From M1 which involves running or cycling just over 55 km over the month of March; to the M3 challenge which is nearly 300 km of running or cycling in the same month.

Whatever distance you do the mental and physical health benefits are significant. Full details of the challenge, along with sponsorship forms and information on how to enter it are available on the Town Council and Hope House websites. Entry is just £10, and I pledge that every single penny raised will be paid directly to Hope House.

We hope that participants will share the highs and lows of participating on the social media accounts of both these organisations and search for “Marching in March in the Marches” on social media.

Lynsey Kilvert Fundraising Manager of Hope House added “The past year has been really challenging for us.  Our shops doors have been closed and our fundraising events cancelled.  We ended 2020 facing £1.37 million in lost income and our finances continue to struggle as we begin 2021.  We are so grateful to the Mayor of Oswestry for choosing to support Hope House with his 3M challenge.  Only with the help of wonderful supporters like Cllr Duncan Kerr, will Hope House be there for every local child that needs us.”

Pictured: Cllr Duncan Kerr who will be participating in the challenge.