£2.7 million allocated to parks in Reading

Today it was announced that £2.7million has been allocated in the Reading Council budget for parks equipment and other park improvements across the borough, £603k of which followed a public consultation last year on CIL funding. 

I have made it very clear that ensuring our playgrounds are accessible to all children is my priority. Play is vital to the healthy development of our children, physically and mentally, and is a great way to form friendships. I look forward to seeing more accessible play equipment across the borough.

Other improvements will also include full consultation with park users. If you have any ideas ahead of the consultation please get in touch. sarah.hacker@reading.gov.uk

Full press release here: http://news.reading.gov.uk/council-budget-plan-19-20/

Full budget report here: https://democracy.reading.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=138&MId=1842

 

Ran the Race for Life today - boy was it tough!

Well I did it.  I actually ran (or jogged) the Race for Life.  I've been training for months but the recent hot weather made me retreat indoors.  I usually set off down Alma Street, along the Oxford Road then along Portman Road then loop home via various local roads depending on the length of the run but the most I managed recently was to my allotment on Scours lane and back via my Pilates class.

I wasn't expecting today to be so overwhelming.  I was nervous about the run but had no idea how emotional it would be.  Firstly you are surrounded by hundreds of women, each with a message on their back: I RACE FOR LIFE FOR..... mothers, fathers, grandparents, children, friends the list goes on.  Each person was racing to raise money for Cancer Research hoping an end to cancer is found.  Here's why I was running:

Then you're off.  Running in a big group around Prospect Park.  Each kilometre marker was a surprise to me and I blew a kiss to the 4 km marker.  You then see the end and I must admit to a lump in my throat.  I gave my husband a wave then was done - finished!  I was handed my medal and wandered off to find my family and have an ice-cream (well deserved I reckon).

I have so far raised £253 thanks to friends, family, other Labour councillors and my colleagues at work.  I hope to get a few more pounds before I submit my sponsor money.

Will I do it again?  Maybe.  I absolutely hate running but it wasn't as horrible as I thought.  If I can raise over £250 for charity doing a half hour run then it may be too big an opportunity to miss next year!

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/sarah-hacker

Race For Life - What Have I Done?

Well, I've signed up for the Race for Life.  I've had too many family and friends touched by cancer to do nothing. 

If anyone remembers me from my days at Meadway Secondary school, they'll remember by complete disengagement with all PE apart from swimming and dance.  I hate running - I don't see the point unless I'm sprinting for a 17 bus but I like a challenge and the Race for Life will be just that!

I am going to start training soon and you'll probably see me huffing and puffing around the streets of Battle ward.  If you do see me, please say hello or shout some encouragement - I'll need it.

I have set myself the target to raise £100 but I would love to raise more for Cancer Research UK so if you can, please sponsor me.

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/sarah-hacker

I have a button top-left too that takes you to my fundraising page.  Anything you can spare will be appreciated.

I'll be running the morning race on Sunday 21 July at Prospect Park.

Thanks