OMF Run the Manchester 10k! Running for a Musical Cause! 🏃‍♀️💨🏃💨🏃‍♂️💨

Programmes Coordinator, Patrick Shepherd, tells us about OMF's day out at the Manchester 10k! 🎉😄

Imagine a group of musicians, including myself (far left), lacing up our running shoes and stretching our muscles, all for a great cause. We had the OMF dream team (trustees, staff and friends), ready to conquer the streets of Manchester step by step. 💪

But before we dive into the exciting details, let's give a big shout-out to all the kind souls who have already supported us. You are amazing! 🤘🙌 Your generosity and belief in our mission to bring music education to every young soul in Manchester truly warm our hearts. If you haven't donated yet, no worries! It's never too late to join the party. Swing by our JustGiving page and show us some love! ❤️

Now, let's dive into the thrilling journey of our OMF 10k team. The atmosphere on the day of the run was electric, as runners gathered with anticipation and excitement. And in the middle of this frenzy, our OMF crew stood strong, ready to unleash our musical powers on the track. 🎶🏃‍♀️ Among our incredible team were Helen Krizos, an OMF trustee, Jo Yee Cheung, our Chief Executive, Joe Markus, a former trustee and longstanding supporter, Carla Henry, a fantastic actor and Georgie Lockett, director of Children's Voices and music sessions at St John Vianney School. We were motivated not only by personal goals but also by the desire to make a musical difference in the lives of the people we work with.

The cheers from the crowd lifted our spirits, giving us that extra boost of energy. People were shouting our names, high-fiving us, and offering words of encouragement that put a smile on our faces. It felt like being part of a big cheerleading squad, except we were doing the running too! 🙌😅

Crossing that finish line was a true victory. We did it, friends! We completed the 10k, and we did it with pride! The sense of accomplishment and joy that filled our hearts was incredible. While we may not have shattered any world records, we definitely had a blast along the way.

Oh, and let's not forget the after-party! We headed to Hatch on Oxford Road for some well-deserved drinks and food to refuel our bodies. It was the perfect way to celebrate our achievement and bond as a team. 🍻🍔

I want to give a special shout-out to Helen Krizos, who has not only raised an impressive £2,022.93 so far (double her target!) but also came up with the brilliant idea of OMF running the 10k. You rock, Helen! 🎉

And of course, a big thanks to Jo Yee Cheung and Carla Henry for their remarkable fundraising efforts. Jo has raised £1,050.00 (87% of her target), and Carla is crushing it with almost three times her target at £444. Way to go! 💪

As we reflect on the impact of these fundraising efforts, it becomes evident that even the smallest contributions can make a tremendous difference. With just £19, we can provide a 30-minute one-on-one instrumental lesson for a child on free school meals. It's astounding to think that such a modest amount of money can have such a profound impact on a young person's life. Moreover, with a donation of £100, we can offer half a day of music workshops for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). These numbers demonstrate the transformative power of music and the importance of our mission. 🌟

I also want to extend my gratitude to Anna Kerr (Development Director) and Sarah Ampil (Programmes and Finance Administrator) for organising everything. Your hard work behind the scenes made this event a success! A big thanks to the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run 10k 2023 for putting on such an extraordinary event. It was a fantastic day, and we're grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.

So, keep an eye out for the next OMF adventure. We're always looking for exciting ways to support music education and have a great time while doing it. Until then, keep smiling, keep running, and keep spreading the love of music! ❤️🎵