Staff from Bath PR agency Creatrix are hitting the road to get super-fit as they prepare for a team effort in the Bath Half Marathon in support of a local charity.
Four of Creatrix’s five employees will take part in the event on March 4 to raise much-needed funds for Age UK B&NES, an independent charity which provides services to meet the differing needs of the area’s older community.
Creatrix PR, whose high-profile clients include Bath Rugby, property developers Crest Nicholson and HPH and housing association Curo, celebrates its 18 anniversary this year.
The agency is already a hotbed of athletic activity. Three of its four staff who will join the estimated 15,000 runners in the race have already run at that distance while director Gary Squires is taking part in his 11th Bath Half.
Joining Gary in the Creatrix team are senior account managers Ben Carey and Liza-Jane Gillespie and graphic and web designer Craig Gill.
Gary said: “The Bath Half is one of the region’s most iconic events, bringing the city together in a fantastic atmosphere and helping to raise funds for important local charities.
“The good thing about entering a team is that we help to motivate and encourage each other, sharing training tips and advice when needed. We’re all looking forward to getting that photo with our medals once we’ve crossed the line.”
Explaining why they are running for Age UK B&NES, he said: “We have an ageing population in this country and as a company we feel it’s important to look after those who have contributed to society, and who now may need a little extra support in old age.
“So many older people out there are without the physical and mental support they need. Many people think that Age UK B&NES is supported by a central funding pot, or the local council – it isn’t.
“Much of their funding comes from charitable donations, so we’re getting our trainers on to raise as much money as possible to help the cause.”
Age UK B&NES chief executive Janet Dabbs said: “It’s great to have the support of a local business like Creatrix. Our services are so dependent on donations from our local community, their fundraising will make a huge difference, and I know what a big challenge they’re taking on because I’ll be running the Bath Half for the first time this year too!”
Creatrix’s wide-ranging portfolio of services includes PR and marketing, community consultation and political engagement, as well as design for web and print.
Now in its 36th year, The Bath Half Marathon has become well established as one of the city’s biggest annual events. As well as thousands of runners, it attracts an estimated 30,000 spectators.
Last year’s event raised a record sum of £2.25m for charity.
If you would like to sponsor the Creatrix team and help them to raise funds for Age UK B&NES, please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/creatrixpr
For more information about the services Age UK B&NES offer and ways to get involved, visit www.ageukbanes.co.uk or call 01225466135.
Pictured: Creatrix PR running team members (in white t-shirts) Craig Gill, Liza-Jane Gillespie, Ben Carey and Gary Squires with representative of Age UK B&NES
