STAFF and service users from the homelessness charity Threshold stormed their way through the Melksham 10k.

The group raised more than £250 for the charity after taking part in the race last Sunday after being inspired to take up the challenge by Threshold’s new positive activities worker, Donna Harris.

Simon Bennett, income generation officer at Threshold, said: “On Sunday everything fell into place and the training, such as there was, paid off.

“I’m glad to say that all the team, staff, residents and supporters finished the race which is a tremendous achievement.

“Hopefully this will spur us all on to bigger and better things.

“Thanks go to our sponsors and runners, especially Sam and also to Donna who not only encouraged us to do it but also provided a picnic.

“We hope to raise over £250, which will all go to help us help Swindon’s homeless.”

In July a £15,000 grant from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s £1m Innovation Fund meant the charity could take on a positive activities worker to engage residents and users across all Threshold’s projects and centres in various activities to help them to develop valuable life-skills and attitudes.

Donna said: “The Melksham 10k was just something that would give the service users something to work towards and train for.

“It doesn’t really matter if they finish it or not. It was about getting people to engage and work towards a particular goal.”

Nick Davis, one of the service users who signed up to take part in the challenge, said he wanted to show his support for the charity.

The 44-year-old said: “I have always had help from Threshold.

“Whatever happened in my life, Threshold have always been there for me and helped me back on my feet.

“I just wanted to do my bit to show my thanks for it and it’s for charity too. They help so many people and I think some people do take them for granted a bit.

“It’s also something to work towards. I’m really looking forward to completing it and knowing that I’ve done the 10k. I haven’t run for years so I know it’s going to be quite a challenge. But even if I walk it it’s more about finishing it.”

You can still sponsor the group of staff and service users who took part in the event donating online at http://tinyurl.com/ns54j7k.

  • To find out more about Threshold, call 01793 524661 or visit www.thl.org.uk.