Charity runners brave the elements for funds

Jigsaw operates a specialist day school and is committed to educating children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Based on Dunsfold Park, Jigsaw is one of only around 10 schools in the UK to use Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) as its teaching methodology.

It exists to improve the lives of children and families affected by autism through education, training and research.

The Jigsaw Run was once again supported by local independent financial planners, Informed Choice.

Martin Bamford, managing director of Informed Choice, says “Following feedback we’d received from previous Jigsaw Runs, we knew this year’s event was going to be popular and it’s great that all 250 places were snapped up well in advance of the big day.

“ It is also really encouraging that so many local businesses were keen to offer their support.”

Before setting off, runners took part in a pre-race warm up, led by Rob Dale of Get Fit Boot Camp.

The starting pistol was fired by Jigsaw’s patron, Kim Robson, presenter on 96.4 Eagle Radio.

Runners then had to complete two laps of Dunsfold Park’s perimeter road, passing the resident Boeing 747 and crossing the famous Top Gear start/finish line.

The first person past the line was Ben Short with a time of 36mins 15secs and the fastest woman was Debbie Aitken with a time of 44mins 23secs.

In addition to their medals and goody bags, each received a gift pack courtesy of local brewers, Firebird Brewing Co..

Jigsaw’s community and events fundraiser, Yvette Copping, thanked everyone for taking part: “Competitors from previous years tell us that they really enjoy taking part in the Jigsaw Run.

“The venue, here on Dunsfold Park, is an ideal course on closed roads, flat with some interesting landmarks to run past plus, of course, the fun of crossing the Top Gear line!

“ We are grateful to everyone who has taken part today for contributing to Jigsaw Trust’s fundraising endeavours and to all the volunteers who have helped to make the event possible – we couldn’t have done it without them.”

Money raised from the Jigsaw Run will be used to purchase sports, therapy and IT equipment for pupils at Jigsaw School.

Jigsaw Trust would like to thank Informed Choice, Dunsfold Park, Hilton Cobham, Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre, Cranleigh Lions Club, Get Fit Boot Camp, Firebird Brewing Co., Café on the Park and Stuart March Photography for their support of this event.

For more information visit www.jigsawschool.co.uk

Alternatively, follow us on Twitter @jigsawtrust

Report and picture contributed by Jigsaw.