Wetherby older persons charity wants runners and fundraisers to help plug shortfall

A Wetherby charity facing a £30,000 funding shortfall wants more runners to follow its boss’s footsteps by pounding the streets this year in a bid to raise vital cash.

Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) needs money to cover the rising costs of its popular activities and events programme.

Chief Operating Officer Mark Dobson has entered the Leeds 10km race in June to raise money and now wants others to consider choosing WiSE as their fundraising cause this year.

Mark said: “It’s a common misconception that as a charity, we get things like room hire and entertainers for free. In reality, we pay for everything ourselves and those costs are increasing. Though we charge a small entry fee- typically around £3- we still make a loss on every event.

“Events like Line Dancing, Elderberries and other activities in our packed programme are such a vital lifeline for older people living in the area. They give a sense of community, belonging and friendship to those who might otherwise feel very lonely and isolated.

“Every penny raised through people’s fundraising activities this year- be it a running race or something else- is spent supporting older people right here in Wetherby and surrounding areas.”

Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (WiSE) is a registered charity organisation part funded by Leeds City Council. Its aim is to improve quality of life for the over 60s by providing community based activities, information, help and support.

To donate to Mark’s 10km, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-dobson17 or to sign up, visit https://www.runforall.com/events/10k/leeds-10k