The Potters ‘Arf marathon returned on 26 September and provided a chance for our team to dust off their running shoes and help raise money for Ashton Hulme and his ‘Leg for Life’ campaign.
After missing last year, the iconic race still delivered its usual sunny weather, steep hills and fantastic Stoke-on-Trent support. Eighteen members of the team took part in the event, with two teams taking on the relay and ten tackling the full 13.1 miles, between them helping to raise £1,500 for the campaign.
James Beardmore, Operations Director at DJH Mitten Clarke said “The Potters ‘Arf is certainly a date that we look forward to as a team, although some may have disagreed with me during the race! The teamwork on the day was outstanding, whether it was the runners themselves, those ferrying the relay runners around the city or those cheering us on. Ashton’s Leg for Life is a fantastic cause and we were all delighted that we were able to support it”.
For those unaware of Ashton’s story, towards the end of 2020 he was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer and due to his condition, underwent surgery to amputate his lower leg and has since had to undergo an intensive course of aggressive chemotherapy. An active footballer before his diagnosis, the ‘Leg for Life’ campaign looks to raise funds towards a prosthetic leg to help Ashton return to the football pitch and his life ahead.
The race has extra significance as the 13.1 miles of the half marathon route matches Ashton’s age and the race also took place in the same week that Ashton finished chemotherapy which certainly motivated the team come race day.
Lucy Moult, Client Services Manager at DJH Mitten Clarke said “There were a few tears around the office when we saw the video of Ashton ringing the bell on Friday to signal the end of his treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. It certainly played in my mind when I was halfway up Anchor Road, and of course ‘Heartbreak Hill’”.
The fundraising continued DJH Mitten Clarke’s community efforts over the last year which has also seen them support the Alice Charity, Dougie Mac, Gingerbread Centre and more.
