Relay run!

A team of runners from local law firm VWV have completed a 250 mile relay on canal towpaths, with the Watford runners raising money for New Hope!

Runners set out from VWV Birmingham on Monday and headed south along the Grand Union Canal to arrive at the company’s Clarendon Road headquarters on Tuesday morning.From there runners went on to VWV’s London office before heading west along the Kennet and Avon canal to Bristol, arriving on Friday.

Richard Phillips, office partner at VWV Watford, completed the overnight leg from Cheddington to Berkhamsted and spoke enthusiastically about raising money for New Hope.  “When we adopt a charity we take it to heart. We are motivated to raise as much money as we can because of the amazing work New Hope is doing in Watford. We want to help and be part of that.”

All the runners taking part have carried a baton, a tracking device enabling all staff to follow their progress on route. That included a wrong turn by Richard when he started following a little known and now unused branch of the canal at Berkhamsted. That meant he ran an extra two miles in the dark before handing over the baton to VWV Partner David Power, who completed the next leg from Berkhamsted to Clarendon Road.

Solicitor Georgina Blesson, VWV charity  coordinator, said she was inspired to raise money for New Hope after doing the Walk of Hope, our ‘tour’ of New Hope services.

She said the stop at the Haven in Whippendell Road, was particularly inspiring. The Haven provides the opportunity for a hot shower, a change of clothes, a hot meal and counselling support for rough sleepers five days a week. Georgina said: “When picking a charity our No 1 priority  was that it had to be very local, and New Hope is. It is Watford’s charity for people experiencing homelessness.

“On the Walk of Hope we got to meet service users and got a real feel for the amazing work being done by New Hope.”

The company, which has 100 staff in Clarendon Road, has found the New Hope partnership so rewarding that they have extended their support for a further 12 months.  

The relay has so far raised £1000 for New Hope but money is still coming in.