East of England duo ready to ‘Keep on Running’ for Step 2 It

Two friends working at two of the UK’s furniture testing and research houses are lacing up their trainers and are planning a sponsored run with a wicked twist as part of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s new Step 2 It fundraising campaign launching this May.

Seasoned runner Emma Delea, business development manager at FIRA International, and jogging newbie Phil Reynolds, divisional manager – furniture and floorcoverings at SATRA Technology, are letting the public determine how far they run in aid of the charity based on the amount of sponsorship they receive.

Starting off at 5km, the pair have committed to add an additional 5km to their distance for every £500 in sponsorship that they receive, up to a maximum of £4,000, constituting 40km – almost a full marathon.

The ‘Keep on Running’ challenge is taking place on Saturday 1 May 2021, making it the first official event of the new campaign, which is encouraging the UK furnishing industry to get active and organise sports-based fundraisers from May 2021 – April 2022. The duo, who are both active members of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s East of England region, will be running along the River Stort in Harlow.

David Woodward, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “With many of us having led more sedentary lives than normal over the past year, we’re hoping Step 2 It will encourage the trade to get active by organising COVID-compliant events that bring people together and promote the charity’s work while raising funds. Thank you to Emma and Phil for supporting the campaign and coming up with a novel challenge to kick off Step 2 It. What’s more, thanks to a generous benefactor, every donation they receive will be match funded, giving you double the reason to Step 2 It and sponsor their fundraiser.”

Emma said: “The Step 2 It campaign inspired me to step up and support the industry in which I have worked for over 20 years – this is an opportunity to help those in our sector when they need it the most. While I am not new to running, the thought of a potential marathon in less than a month is daunting, but for Phil probably terrifying. That said, we are prepared to dig dip and ask the industry to do the same.”

Phil said: “I am so pleased to support this initiative, as it has a double benefit, not only supporting our furnishings industry, but also improving the health and welfare of those taking part. I know from personal experience that getting out and exercising has a huge benefit for mental health, and so to combine that raising funds for our charity means so much to me.”

To sponsor Emma and Phil, go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Emma-Phil-Keep-on-running