Supporting the East Surrey YMCA Fun Run

Hundreds of runners of all ages and levels turned up last Sunday to enjoy the annual YMCA East Surrey Fun Run.

A team from Brewers came along to support the event, held at Reigate’s Priory Park, including Dorking branch manager Wayne Broughton who was cunningly disguised as a giant can of paint! Loads of goody bags and chocolate coins were also on offer for the 700 participants.

The adult 5-mile race followed a loop on local lanes whilst the adult and junior 1-mile fun runs stayed within the grounds of the beautiful park. Mr Chris Brewer started the race for the under 8s and handed out prizes to the winners.

Regional operations manager for the South Region, Shez Shahid said: ‘The energy and atmosphere was just amazing – it was such a good day and everyone was buzzing. It was so nice to be part of such a worthwhile cause…and Wayne was an absolute star as the paint can!’

Brewers have sponsored the run every year since it started 24 years ago. The Brewer family has been actively involved in supporting and financing the work of the YMCA in Redhill for over 50 years and Mr Chris was chairman for 13 years, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Redhill has been an important part of the Brewers story, opening up a store there over 100 years ago.

The YMCA helps vulnerable children, young people and adults to belong, contribute and thrive.  The wide range of projects and activities aim to help create happy, healthy and connected communities.

All money raised will go to YMCA East Surrey’s Life Change Fund which, in 2023, aims to support the charity’s Y-Bus Appeal – a mobile youth club on wheels to reach young people in areas where there is little or no youth provision.

Ian Burks, YMCA East Surrey’s CEO said: ‘We couldn’t hold the YMCA Fun Run without the support of Brewers, our fabulous staff, volunteers, councillors and marshals. Thank you to each and every one of them. It was fantastic to see a big Brewers’ presence this year!’

Brewers CEO, Simon Brewer said: ‘As well as raising funds for the YMCA, it is an important opportunity for families and the wider community of Reigate and Redhill to come together in the wonderful setting of Reigate Priory.’