People from all age groups took part in Sunday’s Donington Park Half-Marathon for Living Without Abuse, a charity which has supported vulnerable people for 40 years.

“It was a great occasion and we have been totally overwhelmed by the positive feedback from everyone involved,” said Gina King, head of fund raising for the charity, whose team supported around 1000 people in the county in the past year.

“The event has really caught the imagination and we would really like to thank everyone involved including the entrants, our sponsors QualitySolicitors Mander Cruickshank, all of our volunteers, and Donington Park for allowing us to hold this special event again,” she added. “Also, a big thank you to all the supporters who came out to cheer people on.”

It is the second year of the event. As well as a half marathon, there was also a One Lap Fun Run and a Team Relay Baton Challenge.

James Douglas won the men’s race in 1.21: 33 whilst the ladies race was won by Nicola Holmes in 1.35:06. We also had 2 wheelchair entries that both deserve absolute praise for battling against the wind to finish and they are Jen Warren and Gary Cooper.

As yet the charity doesn’t know how much money the event raised, but expects it to be in the region of £5,000

Kathryn Hicklin, of main sponsors QualitySolicitors Mander Cruickshank said the event had been all the organisers hoped for.

“The atmosphere was tremendous and it’s great to see so many people supporting a wonderful local charity, which does so much good work in the region,” she said.

“Being involved in family law we hear of too much abuse, whether it be physical, verbal or otherwise,” said Ms Hicklin.

“This charity  has been in existence since the mid-1970s, but due to government charitable cuts in the past few years, is in need of more public help than ever and we hope the day will help put the spotlight on the work being done by LWA in helping many people rebuild their lives.”