Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 2 May 2023

THE NUNEATON and Bedworth Mayor’s year in office will soon be over – but there is still time for one final push to help raise the funds for his civic appeal.

Coun. Clarke JP has spent the last year raising funds for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

At present, his current fundraising total for the appeal stands at £20,000, with several events planned to take place. Coun. Clarke helped tot up the total to £20,000 over the past 12 months by holding and arranging charity concerts, fun days, and raffles.

In eleven days’ time (13 May), Mark Etienne, the Mayor’s son-in-law, will undertake a 24-hour Walk and Run Challenge in aid of the appeal, where he will start outside of the Town Hall at 10.30am, and then head out towards the borough boundary.

His endeavour will then see him set out to run and walk the full length of the Nuneaton and Bedworth boundary, around 46km, or 28.5 miles.

He will then look to visit different local landmarks continuing to walk and run as far as possible in 24 hours, culminating outside Nuneaton Town Hall at 10:30am the following day on Sunday, 14 May.

Mr. Etienne is doing this with the hope of raising £1,800 which is enough for one mission lift and an hour’s flying time.

He said: “I have witnessed the Air Ambulance team provide lifesaving care at the scene of road traffic collisions and other serious incidents.’’

Coun. Clarke JP said: “It is great to see that Mark is carrying out this difficult and testing challenge to raise money for a great cause.

“I’m sure borough residents will support’s his effort both by donating to his charitable page and cheering him along the way, if this target is achieved, it could be enough to save a life.

“We have enjoyed a tremendous year of fundraising, and I would like to thank the residents our Borough for their generosity.

He concluded: “The Air Ambulance Service does not receive funding from government for its daily missions and relies entirely on donations and support from communities and businesses.’’

Anyone looking to support Mr. Etienne on his challenge can visit his Just Giving page, where donations can be made, and are gratefully appreciated.