Appeals For Volunteers - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Appeals For Volunteers – HARP is appealing for volunteers to help at its annual fundraising marathon.

Appeals For Volunteers - HARP is appealing for volunteers to help at its annual fundraising marathon.

HARP is appealing for volunteers to help at its annual fundraising marathon.

The charity is inviting volunteers to be part of Essex’s biggest 24-hour endurance race without having to run. HARP is calling for volunteers to help at HARP24, its annual 24-hour endurance event that has raised thousands of pounds to support people facing homelessness since it began 12 years ago.

The event is taking place on 21–22 June 2025 at Cherry Orchard Country Park, near Southend. Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles, including assisting in the catering tent, event marshalling, and registration. Whether you can spare just an hour or a whole day, your help will make a huge difference!

HARP24 attracts over 400 runners each year, and there’s still time to sign up if you’d prefer to take on the challenge yourself. Runners can participate solo or as part of a relay team of up to 12 friends or family members, aiming to complete as many laps as possible of the scenic five-mile course between midday on Saturday and midday on Sunday.

Awards will be presented to solo runners and teams in various categories.

Steve Hickman, Volunteer Coordinator at HARP, said: “Now in its 12th year, HARP24 is a fantastic event to volunteer at – you get to soak up the incredible atmosphere without having to run!

“It’s great fun, and every year, runners tell us how much the volunteers mean to the event. It’s also an excellent opportunity for young people, including those completing their Duke of Edinburgh volunteering hours.”

Signing up is easy – just visit Volunteer – HARP – Southend’s Homeless Charity and someone will be in touch with you to chat about the event.

For more information about the event or to register as a runner, visit HARP24.

HARP24 is grateful for the sponsorship of local businesses, including IPECO and Stibbards Funeral Directors. Their support ensures that every penny raised goes directly towards HARP’s life-changing work supporting around 1,000 local people each year who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of losing their homes.

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