March 16, 2012 11.02 am This story is over 143 months old

Lincoln 10K entrant runs for youth charity

Showing support: One runner will take part in the 10k as a thank you to the Prince’s Trust for their help.

Luke Staines (left) with his business mentor, Mike Hedley

One runner of the Lincoln 10k Road Race is taking part to raise funds for an organisation that helped him turn his life around.

Luke Staines (24) will be running in aid of The Prince’s Trust, who helped him start his own tiling business after struggling at school and finding a job.

As part of The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme, Staines learned new skills and business planning, and then provided him with a loan, grant and mentor to set up his business.

He said: “The charity did so much for me, and now I’m determined to help other young people who are facing the problems that I once did.

“So many young people are growing up facing barriers that can seem insurmountable – homelessness, drug addiction, poverty and long-term unemployment – so I’m really proud to be making a difference by raising money for The Trust.”

This year, the 10k’s official charities runners can fundraise for are The Prince’s Trust and Bliss.

Senior Sport Development Officer at the City of Lincoln Council, Keith Taylor said: “Every year we choose one or two official charities, which always benefit greatly from the Lincoln 10K.

“Many people run in aid of charities that are personal to them, but the official charities are there for those who want to raise money but don’t have a charity in mind.

“We’re very pleased that Luke is joining us on the day, as someone who has benefitted directly from the excellent work the Prince’s Trust does with young people, and wish him the best of luck.”

Places are still available for both all running events on March 24 and 25. For more information, contact the Lincoln 10K Coordinator on 01522 873771 or by email to [email protected], or follow the lincoln 10k on Twitter.

Source: City of Lincoln Council