Two of the UK’s leading athletics charities are joining forces to boost support for young athletes and coaches
It Ron Pickering Memorial Fundwhich was founded in 1991, and Lloyd Cowan BursaryFounded in 2021, both have played a key role in helping young British athletes and coaches overcome the challenges of progressing in their sport.
Charities are now coming together to step up their efforts. Their partnership will combine fundraising efforts TCS London Marathon and streamline grant applications to ensure funds reach those in need.
The Lloyd Cowan Bursary was established in memory of Lloyd Cowan MBE, a legendary coach who believed that no one with sporting potential should be held back by a lack of support and opportunity.
The Bursary provides grants of up to £500 once a year to both qualified coaches and unfunded athletes aged 16-23 for whom costs are a barrier to achieving athletics development opportunities.
Cowan, who died in 2021 after contracting Covid-19, was an international sprinter before becoming one of Britain’s most successful coaches.
He has coached some of Great Britain’s most talented athletes, including Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohurugu, European 110m hurdles champion Andy Turner and British 400m record holder and double Olympic medalist Amber Anning.
Lloyd Cowan (Ernest Simons)
Lloyd Cowan Bursary Founding Trustee Ohuruogu said: “In 2022 we partnered with RPMF on an art exhibition showcasing the talents of athletes including Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson.
“We are delighted to be joining forces again to fundraise for the TCS London Marathon. This partnership allows us to support more athletes and coaches while maintaining the independence and identity of both charities.”
The Ron Pickering Memorial Fund was established in memory of Ron Pickering OBE, former national athletics coach and teacher who guided Lynn Davies to Olympic gold in the long jump at the 1964 Tokyo Games. He is also remembered as the voice of athletics on BBC commentary and iconic programs such as Superstars.
The Foundation has helped British sportspeople reach their potential and since then, supported by a network of trustees and volunteers, has raised and awarded more than £2 million in small but significant grants to the next generation.
Olympian Jo Jennings-Summers, Trustee of the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund, said: “I got to know the Pickering family well over the years and benefited greatly from Lloyd’s friendship and experience when we were together at the GB Under 20 Championships. So this partnership offers both strong emotional and key strategic benefits.”
A key feature of the partnership is the joint allocation of fundraising points at the TCS London Marathon, enabling both charities to raise key funds.
Each charity is looking for 10 runners to raise a minimum of £2,000 each.
Abdul Buhari, who represented the UK at the London 2012 debates and is a Trustee of the Lloyd Cowan Bursary, added: athletes and coaches as much as possible.
“We are really grateful for the continued support of the TCS London Marathon, particularly the fundraising places we are allocated each year. These fundraisers are crucial to the development of young athletes and coaches in the UK.”
If you are interested in participating, contact the charities for more information.
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