Community Spirit Shines as Wiseman’s Bridge Inn supports Saundersfoot Runners’ Fourth Food Bank Run

Saundersfoot Runners recently held their fourth annual Food Bank Run in support of the The James Criddle Foundation, a Tenby-based food bank. The popular community event once again attracted a strong turnout, with runners and walkers of all abilities taking part.

Although the morning began wet, the rain cleared just in time for the 10am start, with even a hint of sunshine greeting participants. Undeterred by puddles along the Heritage Trail towards Pleasant Valley, participants made multiple trips along the route, collecting discs which were later exchanged for raffle tickets. Alongside generous food donations, the raffle helped boost support for the Foundation.

As ever, big thanks go to Wiseman’s Bridge Inn for providing shelter for participants – for keeping the donations dry before and after the event, and for rehydrating everyone afterwards!  Organisers described the response from the community as “heart-warming”, with thanks extended to everyone who took part, donated food or purchased raffle tickets.

The James Criddle Foundation was established in 2022 in memory of James, who tragically died in a motorcycle accident while living in Bali. “James would have been so proud of what has been achieved in his name,” said his mother, Rachael, one of the Foundation’s organisers. “We love working with Saundersfoot Runners on the annual Food Bank Run — they are one of our biggest supporters and their support means such a lot to local families at this difficult time of year.”

Details of the 2027 Food Bank Run will be announced on the Saundersfoot Runners Facebook page in due course.

The Food Bank Run was the brainchild of Sarah Don, who first organised the event through her running club in Fareham, Hampshire, to collect donations for their local food bank. Following the success of the original event and increased awareness of the growing need for support, Sarah and her club made it an annual fixture. Although COVID and personal circumstances delayed wider expansion, the initiative became a national — and later international — movement in 2023 after Sarah created a Facebook group encouraging running clubs across the UK and beyond to organise similar events in support of their own local food banks.