A PETERSFIELD couple wanting to help local charities are appealing for runners, cyclists and tri athletes to join them for national and international fundraising challenges.
Natalie and Mark Straffon of Woolmer Avenue both work at Petersfield Infants School; Mark (30) is the caretaker and Natalie (29) a special needs teacher.
The young parents are keen runners and cyclists, and hope that Petersfield athletes will join them in raising money for local charities under the Team Horizon banner.
Mark recently cycled from Petersfield to Lausanne in Switzerland in just 72 hours to raise money for the Swiss branch of Alzheimers Association.
He was waved off on his fast track ride by Natalie and their daughter Summer (9), a pupil at Herne Junior School, and son Zach (7) who is at the infants school.
Natalie said: “Mark and his childhood friend Matthew Rothwell both played for Liphook FC, but Matthew now lives in Switzerland.
“Matthew decided to create a not for profit organisation Team Horizon and invited Mark on the ride, which raised £3,000.
“We have agreed to bring Team Horizon to Petersfield, and this year we will be organising events in aid Alzheimers UK and next year we will be raising money for charities local to Petersfield.
“The fundraisers will be things like cycle ride the length of the UK, and we also hope to take teams to abroad to countries like America for events there.
“So we are looking for Petersfield area cyclists, runners and tri athletes to join us, and as a warm up we will be organising weekly running sessions, as there isn’t a running club in Petersfield.
“We are also hoping local businesses will sponsor the team kit and help with other costs, and would like local charities to get in touch to talk about how they can get involved next year’s events.”
For more information about sponsoring the team and it’s aims, or joining it, email Natalie at [email protected]