Rotherham 10k to raise funds for Age UK Rotherham

A CHARITY’S new head said she was honoured the Rotherham 10k would continue to supporting older people.

Hundreds of experienced athletes, fun runners and children will be pounding the streets in the event on May 14, with proceeds going to Age UK Rotherham.

Barbara Dinsdale, who was appointed as chief executive of the charity last month, said: “I feel honoured that they have once again chosen us to be the beneficiary charity.

“Ray (Matthews) is an ambassador for Age UK and he’s a perfect role model for it, but he also sees the benefit to the community of making it a big event and effectively a festival day for the people of Rotherham.

“Supporting older people is not always seen as a ‘sexy’ cause so we’re honoured we’re kept in the public eye on an annual basis as I’m sure any other charity would bite their hands off to be chosen.”

The charity chief said she had initially signed up to do the 10k herself but now thought she would be better served helping coordinate the event on the day.

Instead, Barbara intends to complete the distance “virtually” by running it on a treadmill on a different date.

She took over the reins at Age UK Rotherham from retiring chief executive Lesley Dabell, who had the role for the past 14 years.

Lesley said she had received “fantastic support” from the trustees, staff and volunteers and met “many amazing older people over the years”.