Suffolk Artlink Is Council’S Charity For Great East Run

For all of the most up-to-date event information, visit: Greatrun.org/East

Suffolk Artlink, a charity which develops and delivers inclusive arts programmes which aim to help people transform their lives through the arts, has been selected as Suffolk County Council’s chosen charity this year for the Simplyhealth Great East Run.

As the Chairman of Suffolk County Council’s chosen charity for 2018, the participary arts charity has been given 10 free places for this year’s sold out event to give away to runners who wish to take on the half marathon in aid of them.

Runners are being asked to raise a minimum of £200 for the charity.

This news was celebrated at Suffolk Artlink’s JumpstART exhibition at La Tour Cycle Café, on the waterfront in Ipswich.

The exhibition explores the fascinating world of the human body and includes drawing, painting, textiles and sculpture.

Those who enter will join 3,500 participants for the Simplyhealth Great East Run on Sunday 16 September, who will line up on Russell Road for the 13.1-mile course, taking them through Ipswich town centre, the waterfront, and the Shotley Peninsula.

Now in its second year, the Simplyhealth Great East Run offered an additional 500 places this year, which sold out five months ahead of the event.

Councillor Michael Ladd, Chairman of Suffolk County Council, said: “I am very pleased to be working with Suffolk Artlink this year as my nominated charity.

“They undertake some fantastic work across the county with all ages and sectors.

“Together we have already come up with some fantastic fundraising ideas for the year ahead and as part of our support we are offering 10 free places for the Simplyhealth Great East Run.

“The event is now sold out, so this is your chance to bag one of the last remaining places. All you need to do is commit to raising a minimum of £200 for Suffolk Artlink.

“Art, as well as physical activity contribute to a person’s mental wellbeing. The JumpstART exhibition showcases some of the fantastic work that Suffolk Artlink support people to create and demonstrates the real difference they make to people’s lives.”

Around £1million was raised for good causes by runners who took part in the Simplyhealth Great East Run last year.

Alex Casey, Suffolk Artlink Co-Director, said: “Our JumpstART arts courses provide a fantastic opportunity for adults with learning disabilities to enjoy an in-depth exploration of an art form whilst developing creative and life skills. This is just one of many projects we deliver across the East which aim to transform lives through the arts.

“By taking on the Simplyhealth Great East Run in support of Suffolk Artlink you will be helping to bring skills, support networks, confidence and joy to your local communities.”

The students work will be on show at La Tour Cycle Café throughout July.

Those who would like to run the Simplyhealth Great East Run for Suffolk Artlink should apply at www.suffolkartlink.org.uk/greateastrun by Sunday 29 July.

For all of the most up-to-date event information, visit: Greatrun.org/East