Local man Helier de Veulle is again organising a unique charity trail run to raise funds for a charity close to his heart – baby loss and safer pregnancy charity, Philips Footprints.
With feedback from last year’s event describing ‘wet feet, but grins like Cheshire cats’, Helier is hoping the event will again be well supported. It was postponed in March but is now taking place on Saturday 26th June with both 10km and 6km options.
The 10km run starts at Long Beach and follows the shoreline to Seymour Slip before heading out across the Ramsar site to the iconic Seymour Tower, heading back via the same route. It presents a number of challenges, not least dealing with the rugged terrain and incoming tide. However, the runners have plenty of time to complete the distance, and the course will be fully marshalled. For those wanting something shorter, there is a 6km option along the beach, to Seymour slip and back.
Helier first devised the race as a means to boost his fund-raising when he received a charity place in the Virgin London Marathon in 2020. Whilst the Marathon was postponed until 2021, the 2020 Seymour Sprint went ahead and was the last event before lockdown, raising just over £2,500.
Helier has had a long and close connection with Philip’s Footprints. In November 2007, Helier and his wife, Vicky, lost their first-born daughter, Katherine, who was stillborn at full term. The following March, Jo Nash and her husband, Paul, lost their son Philip who was the inspiration from which Philip’s Footprints emerged. Vicky and Jo found each other on a support forum and they have been in touch ever since. Helier has been a staunch supporter of Philip’s Footprints since it was established.
The Seymour Sprint takes place on Saturday 26 June at 2pm. Runners must sign up in advance, by registering here.
Jo Nash said “We are very excited to support Helier with his Seymour Sprint on a beautiful and iconic part of Jersey’s coastline. Our community are always such great supporters of charity and sporting events and we look forward to a great turn out as people take the opportunity to enjoy this unique event, whilst supporting a charity at the same time. “
Philip’s Footprints supports families affected by the loss of a baby or child but also funds professional training, antenatal equipment and information for pregnant women to make pregnancies safer and improve outcomes for Jersey babies.
Further details on the charity can be found here.
