Junior vest appeal raises £2000

Great idea, happy to help”

“I hope the recipient of the vest wears it with the same pride I have always done over the last 40 years”

“Why do good ideas always cost me money?”

“Hope this donation helps out to keep our younger members at the club”

“I think this is an excellent idea to encourage the younger members to enjoy sport in the same way that I always have”

Just some of the positive comments received following the recent appeal to our members aged over fifty to donate the £15 cost of a vest to our junior section, writes treasurer Peter Browning. What a fantastic response too, wildly exceeding my best expectations, with a wonderful total of £1652 being raised. Gift Aid will bring the total to over £2000.

This sum will ensure that all new junior members will receive a free brand new club vest when they join the club, or get a free club vest when they outgrow their original vest. The appeal is not closed and if anyone of any age wants to make a donation, they can still send a cheque payable to “Clayton-le-Moors Harriers” to my home address at 22 Fordside Avenue, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5TH.

Many, many thanks indeed for the wonderful generosity of everyone who donated, and who showed their faith in the future of our great club.

On behalf of all current and future junior Clayton members Briony Holt, who lives in Laneshawbridge and attends Colne Park High School, writes: I’d like to say a massive thank you on behalf of the Clayton juniors and myself for the monies donated by the vet 50’s.

Peter Browning, new member Harry Wharton age 10 from Worsthorne, and Briony Holt

We have benefited in the past from funding given by Clayton, such as being able to train at multiple places like St Peter’s Centre and Burnley Athletics Club, and also having our England Athletics registration paid for, as well as races. This has given the juniors an opportunity to vary their training which has led us into different aspects of running.

From a personal point, over the five years of being part of Clayton, I have taken a great interest in fell running which is something I hope to continue and progress into my senior years. The junior coaches have had a big influence on me in the way of advice given on races to suit my strengths and style, which is something I appreciate greatly. With the continued help of the coaches, I hope to make the Great Britain squad for fell running as a senior.

Just recently at the awards presentation, you may have witnessed the success of our junior team. This is down to the junior coaches and the continued support of the seniors.

Thank you again for the donations of over £1600; from all of the juniors at Clayton, we really appreciate it!