The spirit of 2012 lives on

I write with regard to the letter from Colin Sullivan and the marshalling of Warwick Half Marathon (Courier last week). I would like to invite him to get involved himself as a volunteer, and maybe come and join us. I write this letter from the perspective of the happy gang of Gamesmakers at the final water station.

At the third water station for 2014, as with the 2013 Warwick Half Marathon, there was an enthusiastic gang of London 2012 Gamesmakers happily handing out bottles of water to the runners. After London 2012 had ended, Gamesmakers were encouraged to ‘join in’ their local community activities and so a group of us from the 150 strong West Midlands Gamesmakers Facebook Group, decided to assist - both at this event and many others in our local areas. We regularly give up our time (and yes we are all busy people!) but last Sunday there were about 10 of us all opening bottles at 8am and getting ourselves set up for when 2,000 runners came past. The spirit of London 2012 lives on!

Can I also add that these helpers came not just from Warwick and Kenilworth, but Southam, Worcestershire and Staffordshire - paying their own petrol, and giving their own time - freely! Events likes these cannot operate without willing volunteers - and many of us will be helping with other events throughout the year - the Regency Run and Two Castles Run also rely on volunteers (and may I remind Mr Sullivan that Rotary International and the Lions are also voluntary groups). That way if more people came forward more of the money can go direct to the charities themselves.

Volunteering definitely puts a smile on your face, and on those who you are helping out too! We’re already up for the 2015 Final Water Station. What are you going to do Mr Sullivan?

Di Gough, Warwick