Aldershot Town’s Phoenix was the perfect entrant to hot-foot their way around the Fleet Half-Marathon on Sunday, all in aid of local homeless charity Step by Step.
The Shots’ tireless mascot flew around the 21-kilometre course as part of a team of seven runners which also included members of the Ministry of Defence and Step by Step staff.
On its way round, Phoenix raised over £250 from spectators and well-wishers, whilst Step by Step’s Dean undertook the race as the first of a series of challenges throughout 2017 to support his work with young people in the region.
“Step by step means a lot to me, not just by working there but personally too,” he said. “I’m trying to raise as much as possible to be able to offer activities and a residence for the young people who access Step By Step, so they can challenge themselves, and to have a week away to help them with team building, confidence and much, much more.”
Eve Silk, Events Fundraiser at Step by Step, continued: “It was fantastic to have such a visible presence with seven runners stepping out in our new look. We launched the new look at the beginning of the month and the Fleet Half was the first event where we were able to see it in action. Big thanks to each of our runners for choosing to support Step by Step, and a special thank you to our annual runner in the Fleet Half, The Phoenix, for gathering support for us and running with a somewhat weighty collection bucket!”
Step by Step passionately believe in supporting local young people who are going through hard times. Their unique step-by-step approach, in providing accommodation, personal development opportunities and specialist support services, identifies and fulfils aspirations. Their work is transformative, enabling young people to become thriving members of the community. For further information, visit www.stepbystep.org.uk.
