Efforts of a North Staffordshire businessman will help a charity provide more than 30 brand new bed kits for people in need.
Mark Holland, Managing Director of Talke’s Holland Construction and Development, was inspired to run the Saucony London 10k for Emmaus North Staffs after meeting the organisation’s executive lead John Webbe at a community event earlier this year.
Mark had never run a 10k distance before but was determined to help raise more awareness for the charity’s Beds for Kids campaign.
His run has so far raised £6,500 with donations still coming in.
Mark, pictured above at the run, said: “When I first met John and got to learn about the charity and their campaign to support local families, I was blown away and it really touched me.
“People I know have also genuinely found it hard to believe of the need for beds on our doorsteps and although we have done so well and reduced the bed list by 30 or more, that still sadly means that around thousands of local children are still without a bed – which is unbelievable.”
He added: “I want to keep the story going now and definitely want to continue the relationship with Emmaus North Staffs who are doing great work in our city and surrounding areas.”
Emmaus North Staffs, based in Hanley, has been providing brand new bed kits – which include a bed, mattress and bedding – to Stoke-on-Trent families since their campaign launched in 2022, with more than 500 bed kits delivered.
John said: “The number of children who do not have a bed of their own is really quite staggering.
“Figures are still showing approximately 9,000 local children do not have their own bed, therefore help from people like Mark, and those who have supported him with the Saucony London 10k race, is appreciated beyond words – it is a huge help.”
Mark’s fundraising page can be found here.
