Southsea Coastal Scheme Team Charity Efforts

Members of the Southsea Coastal Scheme team, who are designing new sea defences for 4.5km of Portsmouth's seafront, have gone that extra mile to raise money for The LifeHouse.

The LifeHouse a resource and support centre that serves hot food for those in need, located in Albert Road, Southsea.

To raise funds, employees from Portsmouth City Council, Eastern Solent Coastal Partnership, and Balfour Beatty came together to take part in the Great South Run in October this year.  The more experienced runners covered the 10 mile course, with the rest running in the 5K race meaning that runners of all levels could get involved. They have now smashed their fundraising target of £450, with the current total reaching over £600.

Lesley Wenden, Manager at the LifeHouse, said: "Not only did this team of people complete the Great South Run for us but they also raised over £600 in doing so!

“Thanks to this wonderful achievement and people's kindness through donations, we will be able to put the monies raised towards some little extras over the Christmas season and warm items of clothing that will see us through the winter months. It also allows us to continue to provide good food, support and love, which is what our wonderful team of volunteers do best. We all say a huge thank you."

This is just one of a number of community initiatives the scheme has been working on over the past few months, which also included workshops and talks at schools including Admiral Lord Nelson School, Craneswater Junior School, and St. Swithun's Catholic Primary School.

Cllr Dave Ashmore, cabinet member for environment and community safety at Portsmouth City Council, said: "The LifeHouse do some amazing work with those in need throughout Portsmouth and Southsea, so it's great to see the team out there helping to support them. Along with the outreach work the Southsea CoastalScheme has been doing with local schools, it demonstrates the positive impact the project will have on the community alongside helping to protect homes and businesses from coastal flooding."

Bernard Courtley, Contracts Manager for Balfour Beatty who ran the 5k race, said: "We believe in creating a lasting legacy for the communities in which we operate, including helping charities and employing the long-term unemployed right through to boosting local businesses and reducing air pollution. One of our company's founders, George Balfour, was born in Portsmouth back in 1872, so it's great for us to be able to give something back to the city in the present day.”

Donations can still be given at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/southsea-coastal-scheme-gsr.