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Caring Tipton girl teams up with council to stage fun run following social media search

13 September

Caring Tipton girl teams up with council to stage fun run following social media search

A caring Tipton girl who was tracked down on social media after her letter touched the hearts of council bosses is planning a fun run in aid of Save The Children.

This summer, Holly Icke, aged eight, wrote a letter describing her wish to host a sponsored run to help disadvantaged children.

Her letter – which was simply addressed to “Tipton Council” and didn’t have a return address – found its way to Sandwell Council’s Tipton Local office. It thrilled staff there, who turned to Facebook and Twitter to track Holly down.

The photos of Holly’s letter reached thousands of people on the council’s Sandwell Facebook page and @sandwellcouncil Twitter account – before being spotted by Holly’s mom, Chloe.

Chloe got in touch with the council and Holly has since met with staff from the Public Health, Sport & Leisure and Neighbourhoods teams who are organising Holly’s race next month.

Holly’s Race for Save The Children will be hosted at Tipton’s Victoria Park on Saturday 19 October, between 10.30am and 2pm.

Families are invited to sign up and join in running 2km around the park – and to bring a picnic and join Holly for entertainment including a balloon man afterwards. There will also be stands and organisations promoting healthy family activities.

Holly said she was really excited that the council had made her idea a reality. “It’s going to be really fun,” she said. “I am so glad about it.

“I chose Save The Children because I wanted to make the world a better place and make children happier.”

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for Living Healthy Lives Councillor Farut Shaeen said: “When we received Holly’s letter, it really came across how keen she was to organise a fun run for her friends and the whole community.

“It’s really important we listen to young people and we were so impressed by Holly’s enthusiasm, we wanted to make her dream of a fun run come true.”

Sandwell Council’s Director of Public Health Lisa McNally added: “The best ideas for improving public health come from the public themselves.  Holly’s Race is great example of this. Let’s make it an amazing day for her and for Tipton!”

Anyone can sign up to the run. To register go to www.eventbrite.co.uk and search for “Holly’s Race for Save The Children”.

To donate, go to Holly’s Just Giving page. There will also be a charity collection on the day.

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