Pictured from left to right: Neil Evans, Jack Gaskell, Tom Gaskell and Toby Eyre

The London Marathon proved to be another successful day for the 'Rossendale Runners' as the team who made the gruelling 26.2 mile trip from Greenwich to The Mall all had a great time and raised over £5,000 for the Trust at the same time. 

First home was Andy Lewis from Ashton Under Lyne who came home in 3:13, this was a personal best and qualifies Andy to run again next year automatically.  Second home was Sophie Hine, a local Sutton runner who regularly runs with Macclesfield Harriers.  Sophie completed the course in a personal best of 3:17, which puts her only two minutes outside being classed with the elite female runners in the country!

Next home was Tom Gaskell a local Macclesfield fireman who was running his first marathon and came home in a very impressive 3:56.  Beating four hours for the marathon is a very impressive feat, and to do so in your first marathon is amazing.  Next home was Toby Eyre, another Sutton resident, who not content to take on the challenge of the 26 miles decided to do the run dressed as Zorro in a time of 5:26!  Toby is no stranger to running in costume as two years ago Andy and his wife ran the marathon in their wedding outfits having got married shortly before the day. 

Our final runner home was Neil Evans in 5:41.  Neil lives in Bristol and is the cousin of Adrian Gaskell who lives in Riverside.  This was Neil's first marathon, and although he found it a challenge, he has been bitten by the running bug and has vowed that it won't be his last. 

Rossendale had three further runners entered into the race - Jack Gaskell (Tom's brother), Phil Derbyshire and Lance Taylor - who unfortunately picked up injuries in the runup to the big race.  Fortunately however, their entries will be carried over into 2009 so they will be able to run for Rossendale next year if they still want to. 

A BIG thank-you to all the runners for their efforts from all the Residents, Staff and Trustees of the Trust.

The Buxton's Got Talent cabaret event held in February raised £1,300.  Many thanks to Mrs J Derbyshire, Mrs K Hincks and their team of volunteers for all the hard work in organising this event, and many thanks also to those who supported the event by attending.

Oakwood Plant Sale raised over £800.  Many thanks to the team of staff and attendees for all their hard work in making the event successful.

Additional Contributions have been received from:

Mottram WI

Macclesfield Methodist Church Community Choir

Tullis Russell Coaters

Macon Wayu Dance Club

The Railway Hotel, Handforth

Mr & Mrs Kennerley

Chapter Love and Friendship no 295

The Freemason's Grand Charity

The Plunkett Foundation

The ACT Foundation

J K Stirrup Deceased Charitable Trust

Denis Alan Yardly Charitable Trust

Inman Charity

The Duke of Denvonshire Charitable Trust

Park Royal Community School

Vintage Motor Cycle Club Trial

The David Solomon's Charitable Trust

The Emerson Foundation

The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust

Edgar E Lawley Foundation

The Dowager Countess Eleanor Peel Trust

Congleton and District U3A

Langley Methodist Church in memory of Marjorie Hart

Mike Kennerley

Mr & Mrs Snelson