On Saturday 14th September, employees from local company Xpress Labels ran 5k at Aylesbury parkrun to raise money for Youth Concern.
Supported by mutual friends from Aylesbury Utd Football Club, Youth Concern’s CEO Hannah Asquith and one of the charity’s trustees, Tom Edwards, the ten strong team took part in what was for some their first ever run.
Jack Clark, Xpress Labels Director, said, “Many of us haven’t ever run before and will be working hard and stepping outside our comfort zone to do this. Some will be building up to this challenge by means of couch to 5K preparation.”
The team were well supported by volunteer marshals from Aylesbury and Tring running clubs. Race Director Andrew Openshaw told the 201 parkrunners about Youth Concern’s work with 13-25 year-olds through the charity’s Drop-in Centre, counselling, and homelessness prevention projects.
Finishers were awarded a sticker ‘I did Aylesbury parkrun for Youth Concern’ and energy-boosting snacks courtesy of Waitrose Aylesbury.
An hour after the event, John Palman – who has raised £795 already with the team – messaged: ‘Thanks Hannah, inspiring cause, just starting to feel normal again!’ and MD David Ross added ‘Pleasure to support such an amazing charity’.
Xpress Labels, a leading printed label manufacturer in Aylesbury, announced their new charity partnership with Youth Concern in July 2024. The company has planned a series of fundraising events, aiming to raise over £9,000 for Youth Concern’s Next Step Project, which provides accommodation and almost 24/7 support for previously homeless 18-25 year olds in central Aylesbury.
Hannah of Youth Concern expressed gratitude for the partnership: “Huge thanks from everyone at Youth Concern to Xpress Labels for choosing us as their long-term charitable partner. Two organisations that are embedded in their shared community, working together – we are absolutely delighted to have this opportunity to raise awareness of our work with Aylesbury Vale’s 13-25 year-olds and funds to help us continue running our Drop-in Centre, counselling, and homelessness prevention projects.”
For more information about the partnership and to make a donation, please visit https://www.givey.com/xpresslabelsparkrunforyouthconcern
For more information about the Next Step Project please visit SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION – Youth Concern
