Steve Littler is a determined gentleman on a mission to complete his first marathon.
Steve, Area Manager for Bishops Move in Crawley, is in training to run the Neolithical Marathan. This is a twenty six mile run from Avebury to Stone Henge. Why is Steve any different to any other runner, we hear you ask. Well, Steve sprained his ankle seven weeks ago and was originally told he would not be ready for the marathon in May. Instead of getting down about his situation, Steve made sure he gave his ankle as much rest as he could, then was back on his feet, determined to participate. Steve is raising money for a charity which has effected everyone at some time in their lives, including Steve. St Catherine’s Hospice is a charity dedicated to providing specialised support to local people and their families, friends and carers.
Steve attended Crawley Hospital’s walk in centre and told Shelley he was very impressed and pleased with the service he received. Crawley Hospital has always been portrayed in a negative light, so it was refreshing to hear Steve speak so highly of the staff and the hospital itself.
The twenty six mile marathon will be the first for Steve, who is not joined to any clubs but trains with family and friends. His wife just completed the London Marathon in a great time. Steve is hoping to complete this with his wife next year. We wish them both all the best for that. Crawley Happy Times would like to wish Steve all the best for his marathon, and we look forward on reporting Steve’s achievement.
If you would like to sponsor Steve please go here…
When Steve is not working or training for the marathon, he can be found playing bass guitar in a band called Flip The Bird. Our thanks goes to Neil Palfreyman for allowing us to use these great pictures
Shelley spoke to Steve about his trials and trivializations whilst preparing for such a feat.
On Sunday 18th October, ’09 Crawley Happy Times donned their new t-shirts and set off for K2 Leisure Centre for the St. Catherine’s Hospice 10k.
The CHT teams waiting for the race to start
On the track waiting for the starting gun
Two teams were entered by Crawley Happy Times making eight runners altogether. They joined the rest of the entrants at the start line at 10:30 on a bright and warm Sunday morning. Everyone looked excited and slightly nervous, then the gun went ‘bang’ and we were off.
Around 600 people entered the 2009 10k run
And they are off!
After a lap on the K2 track we then left the stadium and went around Tilgate forest, over the M23 and then back again via a different route leading back to the K2 stadium.
We had a mixture of talent in the two teams entered. We had Daniel Manville who has run half marathons in the past (and did extremely well), Danielle James who is a young fit lady who has some running experience and Jennifer Griffiths who is a fitness instructor. They all did extremely well on CHT’s behalf. Then we had Shelley Fagence-Traynor, Michelle James, Emma James, Amanda Toyne and Jade Downey who were not so experienced although 100% effort was shown.
2009 10k St. Catherine runRunners making their way through the start
The encouragement from the other participants and the race officials standing at check points along the way, was immense. It was this encouragement that kept us all going. Daniel was way ahead with Danielle and Jennifer hot on his heals. Shelley, Michelle, Emma and Amanda decided to stick together on the way round and Jade was not far behind. Shelley was suffering from a bad bout of flu but managed to keep going, even running some of the way
St. Catherine’s Hospice is such a great cause. Requiring around five million pounds to keep up the much needed work they do for terminally ill people. All of which is donated in some form or another. St. Catherine’s give so much back to the community too. They hold many fund raising events which are fun and entertaining for all entrants and the community alike. If you have a fund raising idea, then don’t hesitate to contact any of the amazing staff members on 01293 447333 who will be happy to help you in every way possible.
So, the end of the run was in sight, and the legs were starting to feel like jelly. We entered the K2 track on our last few killometers and were greeted with a loud round of applause from the bystanders who had patiently waited for us stragglers to finish. We were even greeted by the Worshipful the Mayor Brenda Burgess and her wonderful husband Bob Burgess. The last few steps seemed like an eternity but the finish line was in sight and we all made a last deperate dash……and we were done! We were greeted by our families who looked on so proudly as we all gasped for breath and composure. We were given our medals by St. Catherines which we have all placed in plain view of all visitors to our homes
Shelley, Emma, Amanda & Michelle on the last stretch
(L-R) Danielle, Michelle, Shelley, Amanda & Emma
Crawley Happy Times would like to extend their congratulations to every one who entered. As Shelley’s youngest son said, “it’s not about winning Mum, it’s about taking part”. He is so right! If you feel you would like to be part of this next year either as an individual or as a team, please call Catherine Boulter of St. Catherine’s Hospice on 01293 447364 for further information. We are still accepting sponsors, so if you feel the need to contribute, please contact Shelley on 01293 572182 or email shelley@crawleyhappytimes.co.uk
A well deserved drink at the pub after. Well done to all!
All girls together
A special thank you goes to the eight individuals who took part as the Crawley Happy Times team and a thank you to Paul Sheldrake of Creative Vision Promotions for supplying the t-shirts which were wonderful! Roll on next year xx
Finished at last! Shelley and her son Logan who was there at the finishing line to congratulate his Mum
Our thanks to Creative Vision Promotions for the t-shirts
On Thursday 24th September ’09 Crawley Happy Times had the privilege of attending the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s Elite Health & Fitness Club to hear about some amazing people.
Why are they so amazing?
Twenty-six members of the Elite Health Club at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Gatwick, have completed an epic swim covering the distance of the River Thames – 220 miles! This equated to swimming 23,066 lengths of the pool. The members only had 50 days to complete the challenge of swimming 462 lengths each day between them.
Staff & Ladies from Elite Health Club with Michael Beasley STCH
This latest challenge follows other successful challenges and social events including swimming the English Channel and also to run, walk and cycle the length of Route 66. So far these challenges have helped raise nearly £5,000 for St Catherine’s Hospice.
We met up with Michael Beasley, Corporate Fundraiser for St Catherine’s Hospice who said: “We would like to thank the Elite Health Club and its members for their valued support. The challenges and social events are great activities for the members to get involved in and also helps raise valuable money for the hospice. Their support will help us continue to deliver vital end of life care in our community.”
Katie Brindle, Elite Health Club Manager said “I would like to say thank you to all the members that have taken part in our challenges and for their sponsorship. They have made a tremendous effort to get to the club and swim their lengths to complete the challenge on time. Thank you to Stuart who designed the challenge. If it wasnt for his creative mind we would not be able to run events like this! St Catherines is our local charity and all our staff and members are happy to help raise money for such a good cause. I would like to say thank you to St Catherines for their support with our money raising. Raising over £5000 for St Catherines so far is a brilliant well done all”.
We were very impressed with this great achievement, especially as the participants we met and spoke to were ‘mature’ ladies. Well done ladies.
For further information on Elite Health & Fitness visit their website here or call 01293 608614. Maybe you would like to be part of their next challenge
Sussex Bootcamps have successfully built a new way of exercising and have altered peoples approach to ‘getting fit’.
Boxing is great exercise and loads of fun
Seven weeks ago Becky Fuller and Shelley (me) decided to join Ben Davis of Sussex Bootcamps on a four week training regime.
Becky wanted to loose weight after having her second child. Shelley is on a sponsored diet to make money for the work required on the playground at her son’s school. Two good reason to attend.
At first it was really hard as exercise came in the form of lifting the glass up to the mouth or walking to the shops. But as time went on it became surprisingly addictive.
When and where did they do this?
Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 18:15 at Hazelwick School in Three Bridges. The cost is £110. Now why would you not just go to the gym I hear you you ask. For many reasons. The support and encouragement you receive from the instructors and fellow members is just something you do not find in a gym. Becky and Shelley made friends with the rest of the group which really helped them in their quest for weight loss. Becky said “you all go through the same gruelling sessions together. Both Shelley & I found it motivational and inspiring. I have lost a total of one and a half stone and can fit into clothes I didn’t think I would ever fit into again. It was worth every penny”.
Shelley decided to keep a short diary of how the four weeks went and how she felt about each session.
Bootcamp Journal
Monday 3rd August – Day 1
Before: - Feeling a bit nervous about tonight, anxious even. Can’t let anyone down! Worrying I won’t be able to keep up, and will end up a mess on the floor. Have made a pact, no alcohol for the whole 4 weeks. This is going to be tough.
After: – Well that wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. The exercises are no too bad. My wrists ache a bit due to my arthritis but I refuse to make an issue out of it. No aching yet. Did I push myself enough? I think so. Basic exercises, sit ups, skipping, running and plenty of great toning exercises.
Wednesday 5th August – Day 2
Before: - Not so anxious this time. We are a group made up of woman bar 1 man and everyone has been really nice so that makes it easier to turn up again. Been working in the sun all day so feeling a bit tired.
After:- Damn! That was really hard today. My thighs are killing me. I feel so much worse than I did after Monday. That will teach me for taking it so lightly. We did the same exercises performed on Monday so I was shocked at how much it took out of me. I’m keeping my fingers crossed it will get easier. Don’t want to get fearful of going. What is it they say, no pain no gain. Damn them poets! Felt a bit faint today but put that down to the heat I had been in most of the day. Didn’t drink as much water as I should have. On a good note the rest of the group are lovely and we get to move around to meet and work with others in the group. We are all gelling already, and I love that. Ben, the trainer, gave us a nutritional talk and put the whole protein, carbohydrates, fats into perspective for me. He made it sound so easy to understand. I needed that lol.
Friday 7th August – Day 3
Before: – My legs are still killing me! Today is boxing day which I think will be better on my poor body right now. I feel a little apprehensive but am focusing on the fact it is only four weeks, not four months or years. Makes me feel better. Have done well the last couple of days on my diet so am feeling a bit better about it all. Just ache, badly.
After: – Did I say boxing was going to be easy? Well how wrong was I! I perspired profusely with this exercise, but I was not alone. Ben worked us as hard as usual but always reassuring us we only had to work as hard as we could and no harder. We are all working as a ‘team’ and encouraging each other, which really helps. I had a great time today. It was tough but felt good and was lots of fun with the other participants. Getting back to feeling excited about the next session again. Still hurting but not so much.
Monday 10th August – Day 4
Before: – Feel a little more confident today but have a bad headache. Not feeling my best to be honest. But I am still going. Can’t let the ‘team’ down.
After:-It was mainly jumping about today in some form or another. The skipping is great fun but I get so breathless doing it. Found my shin bone was painful to touch after this session. I am sure it will go away and was just a cause of all the jumping, which my poor little body has not done for some years lol.
Wednesday 12th August – Day 5
Before:- Not feeling well at all today. Been diagnosed with potential swine flu so have to miss tonight. Should be ok for Friday as I have been unwell for a while now, so if I do have it, it should be non-contagious by now. Just hope I have not passed it onto any of the ‘team’.
Friday 14th August – Day 6
Before: – Still feeling a bit rough but must get back into the swing of things, or this feeling might consume me!
After: - Couldn’t interact completely today. It was boxing again, which I really enjoy, but had to sit out of some of the turns due to my breathlessness and lack of energy. Damn, must get well again.
Monday 17th August – Day 7
Before: – Feeling a bit better today. Looking forward to seeing how much I can manage to be honest. Still feeling a bit flu-ey. Just got to get rid of this silly cough now. Plenty of water consumed, ready for the session.
After: – Ben was absent today so was ably subbed by Steven. It was different but quite refreshing. Funny enough the time seemed to fly by on this session. Not sure if this had something to do with a different trainer. Maybe it was because I am slowly getting better. Who knows. Enjoyed the session, not aching so much now.
Wednesday 19th August – Day 8
Before:- Feeling a lot better today and really looking forward to today’s training. It’s nice to know Ben is back. Not that we missed him of course….lol. The ‘team’ is really starting to gel now. We have been through so much together in such a short amount of time. So I also look forward to seeing everyone.
After: -It was a really hard training session today. Lots of up and down, push ups, burpees, running and various other excruciating exercises. If this had been our first day, we would never have been able to cope, so it is amazing how far we have all actually come. The ‘team’ all looked shattered. We had a chat after about how much better we are looking mind you, and how better we all feel, keeping to a healthy eating regime and the exercises chopping inches of our waist lines. It is starting to get addictive. Am I crazy, probably.
Friday 21st August – Day 9
Before: – Looking forward to the session once again. Feeling 100 times better, cough subsided. The enthusiasm comes from the results, not the actual training. I have been able to put tops on that would not even go past my chubby shoulders in the past. When you can see the results, it really hits home at how good it is and how good I feel.
After:- Phew! Another week over and done with. Only one more week to go. Yhipee!! We were inside for the first time today, raining. Sophie was our trainer for today as Ben was bunking off again lol. Boxing today. Think I may have damaged a muscle in my shoulder today. Really hurt, but I was brave. Love the boxing so it was not too much of an effort to persevere. Went home soaked with perspiration again. Time for a cold shower.
Monday 24th August – Day 10
Before: – I can’t believe I have made it to the last week in one piece! It has been such a great adventure and I am looking and feeling great! Can’t wait to get there today. Shoulder is still a bit niggled but I will be fine and take it easy.
After: – Loads of different training exercises today. Lots of sit-ups and leg work. Starting to adore skipping! I remember when we first did skipping, I was so out of breath I found it hard, but as time has gone on my breathing seems to have gained in endurance. Had a laugh with the others again today, which makes it all so that much easier.
Wednesday 26th August – Day 11
Before:- My shoulder is killing me today. Had to pop to the doctors yesterday. Got some Ibuleve Gel which has helped some. Think it was having the window down in the car on the way home last week, the breeze encouraged my arthritis to play up. Hate getting old! Dreading not being able to keep up today.
After: – That was hard work, but I feel so fit now. Had trouble doing some of the exercises which included the arms but didn’t let myself down with any of the others. The bond between the group is so great and appreciated, letting the group down is not an option, for me anyway. I am sure no-one would think anything if I wasn’t able to, or for any other members either, but of course the relationship we all have means they would have encouraged me if I needed it. Nice. Can’t wait for Friday, but feel a little sad the 4 weeks are over and I may not get to see the others again
Friday 28th August – day 12 FINAL DAY!
Before: – Feeling excited and sad at the same time as this is our last day. I have already made my mind up that I am going to come back for another 4 weeks. Mad, yes. Fit, very!!!
After:- Wow! 4 weeks of gruelling exciting bootcamp completed. I have dropped at least one and a half dress sizes, especially on my hips and thighs, and feel fantastic! All I have to say to anyone now is…..can’t wait for the next 4 weeks to start!! Bring on the 7th October!
Shelley is now into her third week of the next four weeks regime and is still going strong.
This sounds great! When is the next one?
The next Sussex Bootcamp in Crawley starts Monday 12th October, ’09. If you have any questions or just want to get your name down, please contact Ben on 01444 340030 or visit their website. Sussex Bootcamps are generously offering any reader of Crawley Happy Times a 10% discount when quoting Ref CHT3 which is only valid for the next Crawley training course on the 12th October. Good luck and don’t forget to let us know how you get on.
Shelley interviewed Ben on completing the last session of the four weeks. You can see it below….
On Sunday 18th October folk from in and around Crawley will be donning their running shoes for a massive 10k race in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice.
Last year more than 600 people took part, raising over £30,000 towards much needed end of life care. Let’s see if we can beat that this year.
The Course
This years Crawley 10k charity race will take place through the beautiful scenic Tilgate Forest which will be fully marshaled with clear frequent signs and water stops. The race starts at the K2 Leisure Centre running track, following forest tracks, paths, playing fields and a road. Experienced and non-runners are all welcome. You could even walk the course if you just wanted to be part of the event. Unfortunately the course is not suitable for pets or wheelchairs due to the uneven ground covered. All entrants receive a medal with an award being presented to the winning team, man and woman.
Who are St Catherine’s?
St Catherine’s are a well deserving charity, caring in so many different ways for our loved ones who are terminally ill. St Catherine’s also give so much back to the community by holding such great events such as the recent Dragon Boat Festival and the Midnight Walk (Horsham). It is definitely a givers gain philosophy which enriches the entire community.
Who can enter?
Catherine from St Catherine’s said “experienced independent runners are frequently present as were on previous occasions as well as running clubs but this year we would like to encourage more businesses to get involved. They only need a team of 4 to enter and can even enter more than one team if they wish. We are really looking forward to this years race and hope to raise a lot of money for the charity which needs around 5 million pounds a year to maintain”.
Runners in last years 10k charity race
How much does it cost?
Advanced entry fees range from £10 to £12 with fees on the day at £15. Places for entry are limited so it is advisable to enter as soon as you can. You can do this by filling in a form online or emailing catherineboulter@stch.org.uk. For any further queries please call 01293 447364.
Crawley Happy Times will be covering the race and interviewing the winners. If you are not entering the race please do still come down and say hello and support the runners.
