One of Frome's favourite local charities, Purple Elephant, is handing out a big 'thank you' and a huge 'well done' to the TEN Somerset runners who took part in the Bath Half on 14 March to raise money in support of Frome and area families.

As Purple Elephant charity worker Rebecca Harrison told us "It was so exciting to be there on the day and so special to know that these individuals put aside time in their incredibly busy lives to train on dark, wet mornings for this one special event. Our team were extraordinary - all giving their time for others.

"They included parents with young children, a police officer, school teachers, an actor, a Frome business owner who runs a busy cocktail bar and one of our volunteers even ran dressed as a leprechaun, in honour of it being St. Patrick's Day!

"The goodwill and cheering on the day, along with the generosity of donors was really very emotional. Purple Elephant will be putting every penny to good use. 

"Some will know our charity for its Befriending and its early-years support work, some will know us for our Holiday Activities for referred families with additional needs, even more probably have heard of our Toy Library and our annual Frome Children's Festival. Every part of Purple Elephant relies on this kind of incredible support so we can't thank you all enough."

With the current online donations totalling £2,316, final figures looking likely to reach almost £2,500 with yet-to-collect cash donations and other gifted funds still coming in.

The staff at Purple Elephant have been over-awed by the incredible commitment of the runners and warmth and support from the town and would like to encourage any last-minute donors to give this week via their website www.PurpleElephant.org.uk  

For more information about the big Frome Children's Festival day coming soon… watch this space!