JOHN BURDETT RUNS LONDON MARATHON
IN AID OF 'PALMS' CHARITY
 


John completed the London Marathon in 5 hours and 40 minutes, here are photos of John in the Marathon and below them a thank you letter from him.
Heacham On Line would like to say 'Well Done John"

I am happy to state that I survived my ordeal and in a masochistic sort of way, even enjoyed the occasion.  The sun shone, the crowds were magnificently supportive and the whole event, truly memorable.  Like thousands of other participants I was categorized as a 'fun runner' and at 19 miles with the dreaded wall looming, the limbs screaming abuse at the brain's instructions it occurred to me that 'fun runner' was not quite the ticket!  However the pain has subsided and the memory still vivid and yes, I would do it again.
I wish to express my grateful thanks to those who sponsored the run and helped raise in excess of
£1,400 for PALMS. I have been truly touched by the generosity of people.
A special thanks to local retailers, publicans and public officials for displaying sponsorship forms.  Their efforts generated a significant contribution to the fund and I am left with a deep sense that "community is alive and kicking in Heacham".

John Burdett
Strachan Close
Heacham


David Morrell and Helen Ballard established a unique Community Support Home project in West Norfolk in the 1980's. The philosophy of the homes is to provide a person-centred residential community setting. This enables people who have experienced emotional and mental distress to recover and grow as individuals to a point where they could re-establish themselves in the wider world of work and living, with confidence.
There are 44 people from aged 18 upwards in several properties in Gayton and King's Lynn with a range of communal to independent living facilities, with trained support staff on hand.
PALMS was registered as a charity in 1999 to supplement the work of Community Support Homes. We make grants to residents and former residents for those things not provided by Statutory Services such as providing books for further education courses, holidays and day trips. Our guiding principle is to encourage positive experiences and improve people's self esteem.
To finance these projects we raise funds by various means including The London Marathon, Ceilidhs, a Midsummer Ball, coffee mornings, etc.