Esso team raises £776 for Spinal Cord Research

This was the second consecutive year in which Esso entered a team in the event, which is held each year on the same day all around the world.  The Esso team ran, jogged and walked a total of 401km and ranked 238th globally out of the 11,080 teams taking part.  Together, they raised £776 for spinal cord research.  

In the race, professional athletes, fun runners, and beginners participate together against the ‘catcher car’, which begins its pursuit 30 minutes after the start, passing runners and wheelchair users one after another until the race is over.  People can participate at flagship events or virtually via an app.

Speaking after the event, Charlie Bawden, Esso Alliance Territory Manager said it was an enjoyable day and lots of fun.  Having coordinated the Esso team, she said:  “Some of us took part as a group at an event held in Battersea Park, London whilst others used the race app, which meant they could compete wherever they happened to be.   A big well done goes to Ewan Evans who, for the second year in a row, took the top spot for Esso running an impressive 32.05km!”

Richard Coulson, EPCO & EMCL exchanger J/L for the Programmes Group had a very personal reason for taking part after his mum had a bad fall, breaking her neck and severely damaging her back in 2019.  He said:  “Mum was airlifted to a hospital in Stoke-on-Trent where she spent several months on a spinal ward, and this is where I got to see the amazing work carried out by the doctors and nurses.  If it hadn’t been for them and all the spinal cord research, mum may never have walked again, but just eight weeks later, she was able to stand and leave hospital.  My mum was lucky she didn’t damage her spinal cord, but I got to see a few people in hospital who had, and the research must continue.”  He added:  “The Battersea Park event was well set up and I met people from all walks of life.  I was also very pleased to achieve my personal goal of completing 10k and plan to take part again next year.”

Next year, the event will take place on 7 May 2023.  Look out for the sign-up link that will be sent out nearer the time via email or the Red Bull van, which Charlie hopes to bring to Leatherhead, Fife and Fawley to encourage colleagues to sign-up and get involved.

Discover more at https://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/en