RUNNERS in Ealing have managed to raise more than £13,000 for Ealing Foodbank, by completing a virtual version of the Osterley 10k.

The challenge was organised by the Ealing Half Marathon Legacy, the community interest company behind the Ealing Half Marathon and it was organised as a replacement for the cancelled Osterley 10k, which was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 500 adults and children took part by running or walking 10km over the course of 10 days, from December 1-10 and raised £13,110.98 in the process.

People could choose whether to complete the challenge in one go or whether they wanted to spread it out across several days.

Ealing Foodbank Manager, Janet Fletcher told Nub News: "We really appreciate the support of Ealing Half Marathon in organising this fundraising initiative for Ealing Foodbank - the result is absolutely fantastic.

"We opened our doors in 2013, and every year since have recorded an increase in people coming to us for help with emergency food supplies.

"This year has been a year like no other; since April and until the end of November, we have redeemed referral vouchers from 8,731 families, representing 23,539 three-day meal parcels, in comparison to 4,389 vouchers and 9,401 parcels for the same period in 2019.

"We are only able to do what we do because of the amazing, on-going, generous support of local people and their inventiveness in generating support, funds and donations is incredible.

"Thank you to everyone who has raised funds, donated food or time or has in some way supported Ealing Foodbank - you are truly amazing."