Royal Parks Half Marathon: More than £60k raised for Jewish organisations

Dozens of Jewish runners took part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon on Sunday, raising more than £60,000 for charity.

Among 16,000 runners who took on the 13.1 mile course, the route, which takes in four of the London’s eight Royal Parks – Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens, also took them past some of the capital’s most notable landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and the Royal Albert Hall.

Kisharon’s runners raised more than £10,000. Acting chief executive Richard Franklin said: “We’re truly appreciative and inspired by those who raised much-need funds.”

Norwood benefited from the same amount, thanks to its 15 runners. Its chief executive, Dr Beverley Jacobson, who also took part, said: “Their dedication and enthusiasm for Norwood is inspiring.”

Ruth and Marcel Berenblut were part of a team of 14, who raised more than £17,000 for Donnie’s Fund – which was set up in memory of Donnie Berenblut, who was born with a life-limiting condition and tragically passed away after just 142 days. Ruth said: “Donnie only lived 142 days, but some of his happiest moments were spent in the royal parks, so it seemed apt to run through these beautiful spaces and raise funds in his name.”

Benjamin Radstone and Daniel Bratt raised more than £1,000 for World Jewish Relief. Benjamin said: “It was a great run through the beautiful parks of London and an honour to run for WJR.”

Camp Simcha’s six runners raised more than £3,000, which included Lee Bladon, Adam Dawson and Danny Myers running as Team Evie to raise funds for the charity’s night-time respite project.

Simon Walton and Michael Walton raised more than £1,000 for Myisrael – a charity set up in 2008 by Dani Franks to help UK donors support small charities in Israel. Simon, who’s the chairman of the charity, together with his uncle finished in 1:55 – and ran sporting Jewish News logos on their shirts.

He said: “It was fantastic to raise so much money to support Myisrael’s under-the-radar charities.”

Jewish Care’s 12 runners raised more than £8,500. Chief executive Daniel Carmen Brown, who ran with son Josh, said: “It was fantastic to run amongs a team of dedicated runners who I’d like to thank for taking part in this challenge to support Jewish Care”.

Chai’s two runners, Joyce Misrahi and Zak Brilliant raised more than £11,350. Joyce said: ” I did not realise just how hard it was and especially running in the rain. I finished the race in 2:44.41, almost crawling over the finish line. I have a new admiration and respect for anyone who runs any distance for a charity!”

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