The MHR team run the Robin Hood Half Marathon in support of Improving Lives

At MHR, we’re lucky to have the opportunity and the support to do good for those around us. This September, the company sponsored entries for 44 of us into our local Nottingham half marathon, the Robin Hood Half, so that we could support a fantastic Nottinghamshire-based charity, Improving Lives. 

Improving Lives

MHR has been proud to support Improving Lives for a number of years. They are a great, local charity that helps vulnerable people to change their lives for the better. They help those managing long-term mental health issues to reduce their social isolation, improve their mental and physical health, overcome substance misuse, and increase their independence and financial security. By offering an individualised service, they aim to empower people to manage the challenges they face more effectively. 

Race day

When race day dawned, damp and drizzly, we were mostly raring to go. There were some pre-race nerves and fitness concerns but once the starting gun fired, those were all forgotten. Over the course of 21 kilometres, there was remarkable resilience and determination on show, and all of us did fantastically to conquer the hills, get round, and cross the finish line. 

It was fantastic to see not just how many people from MHR took part in the run, but also those from around the business who came down to support and cheer us on. And that’s without mentioning all the other fantastic runners taking part, and every spectator who encouraged us to keep going and put one foot in front of the other. Every stage of the route was lined with people, and I don’t think any of us could have completed it without them. 

Counting up

With the race done and our fundraising totted up, we were able to raise almost £3000 for Improving Lives. There were some sore legs around the office in the days after, but I know we’re all proud to have taken part in such a great event, supporting such a fantastic charity. Some of us are even looking forward to doing it again next year.