Now in it’s 5th year, local man Helier de Veulle is again organising the unique charity trail run the ‘Seymour Sprint’ to raise funds for a charity close to his heart – baby loss and safer pregnancy charity, Philip’s Footprints.
Describing previous runners with ‘wet feet, but grins like Cheshire cats’ Helier is hoping the event, taking place on Saturday 9th March ,will again be well supported and thanks this year’s sponsor, Sloman’s Estates, for their ongoing support.
He describes the route: “With Gorey Castle behind you and Seymour Tower in front, this trail run takes in the spectacular South-East coast with 2 distance options available. The 10km tower trail run starts at Longbeach, following the shoreline to Seymour Slip before heading out across the Ramsar Wetlands site to Seymour Tower and heading back via the same route.
“It presents several challenges, not least dealing with the rugged terrain, deep puddles and incoming tide. However, runners have plenty of time to complete the distance and the course is fully marshalled.
“For those wanting something shorter, the ‘dry feet’ 6km option follows along the beach to Seymour slip only and straight back. Children aged 10+ and dogs are welcome on either distance but must be accompanied.”
Helier first devised the race to boost his fund-raising when he received a charity place in the 2020 Virgin London Marathon. Whilst the Marathon was postponed, the 2020 Seymour Sprint went ahead just before lockdown and has since become an annual fixture, with hundreds of runners raising over £9,000 to date.
Helier has 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 sadly stillborn at full term. The following March, Jo Nash and her husband Paul also 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 Vicky is now a trustee for the charity. Helier has been a staunch supporter of Philip’s Footprints since it was established.
Jo Nash said: “We are delighted to have the Seymour Sprint as part of our annual fundraising calendar and on such 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 busy turn out as people take the opportunity to enjoy this unique event, whilst supporting a charity at the same time.”
Further information about the event can be found here.
Pictured: Seymour splash, Credit David Priddis
