Passionate pub colleagues to take on half marathon for Northampton Guardians in memory of India Chipchase
A group of passionate colleagues from a Northampton pub are taking on a half marathon later this year, all in aid of the Northampton Guardians in memory of India Chipchase.
Ellen Willis, who works at The Phipps on Wellingborough Road, spoke to the Chronicle & Echo about the challenge she and seven of her colleagues are taking on in September.
“I like to try my hardest to do something for charity each year,” said Ellen. “I haven’t been able to for the last couple of years because of bad health conditions and I had my little girl.”
As it is a decade since India Chipchase’s tragic passing, Ellen described fundraising for the Northampton Guardians as the “perfect match” and the team want to push themselves for the worthy cause.
Ellen continued: “I didn’t know India personally but I’ve worked in pubs since I was 15 and you hear stories. I’ve got a little girl now and we really want to get the awareness out there.”
Ellen says it would be “amazing” if anyone reading this story were to make a donation, as funds raised will mean the Guardians can stay out for longer periods of time and purchase what they need.
The Northampton Guardians rely on donations and although The Phipps rarely see them on Wellingborough Road as their base is at the heart of the town centre, Ellen knows their customers head in that direction and will no doubt have benefited from their support.
The Phipps is hosting a charity evening on August 30, two weeks out from their half marathon challenge. An auction will be held that night and Ellen is encouraging donations as it will all be going towards the same worthy cause.
The eight staff members taking part in the half marathon are all individually completing their training, with a plan to establish a running club for anyone to join in the lead up to the event in September.
“We want other people to get involved,” said Ellen. “Anyone who wants to start or running, doesn’t want to go on their own, or doesn’t know how to get started.”
Through this fundraising challenge, Ellen also wants to raise awareness that anyone can raise money for charity no matter your experiences or health conditions you may be battling.