Community comes out to boost DG’s charity event
Franz Manderson cheers the successful event
(CNS): Walkers and runners turned out in force Sunday, 24 April, for the 2016 Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge, raising money to help Cayman Heart Fund buy a new ambulance. The early-morning charity challenge attracted more than 1,000 registered participants and a large crowd of cheering well-wishers.
Deputy Governor Franz Manderson and Miss Cayman Islands Monyque Brooks were at the front of the starting line in the community-wide event, which brought together civil servants, private sector employees and members of the public.
The DG’s 5K aims to raise $50,000 towards Cayman Heart Fund’s $150,000-drive to purchase an ambulance for the Health Services Authority and have it on the road by Christmas.
“We had a fantastic turnout today and great support from the entire community, including our sponsors,” said Manderson. “While we won’t know the total amount that we have raised for a few days yet, I am confident we are well on our way to helping Cayman Heart Fund buy the ambulance.
“This kind of event shows what we, the people of the Cayman Islands, can do when we all come together. We have benefitted the health of our community and helped raise funds for a great cause. Both today and last week on the Brac were extremely good fun, and I thank all who came along.”
More than 1,000 people took part
The Deputy Governor also thanked the sponsors and team of volunteers from both the civil service and private sector, who helped to make the DG’s 5K Challenge a success.
Dominic Dyer was the overall fastest male runner in a time of 17:20, while Kym Bailey was the overall fastest female runner in 20.39.
Peter Davies was the fastest civil servant male runner (19.49) and Lizzie Berns the fastest civil servant female runner (24.38).
Governor Helen Kilpatrick helped give out prizes and Cayman Heart Fund chairman David Dinner thanked the crowd for their support in helping to buy a new ambulance.
This is the third annual and most ambitious DG’s 5K Challenge and is part of Manderson’s vision to have a healthier, more active and socially engaged civil service, while benefitting charitable organisations and initiatives in the Cayman Islands.
The inaugural event in 2014 raised $12,500 for Cayman HospiceCare and last year took in $50,000 for Special Olympics Cayman Islands to help send athletes to the Special Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Category: Donations, Medical and Health
