Run Reigate 2025 – Running Together, Raising Together
On Sunday 21st September, the wait was finally over – Run Reigate 2025 had arrived!
On Sunday 21st September, the wait was finally over – Run Reigate 2025 had arrived! The Stripey Stork van was packed (how did we ever manage without it?) and we set off to Priory Park.
We were proud to be one of the official Run Reigate charity partners, alongside some other brilliant local charities, many of whom we already have close ties with.
We are so grateful to the 50 Team Stork runners – 30 of them running for us for the very first time – who raised an incredible amount to support our ongoing work helping families in Surrey and Croydon experiencing hardship.
* Total fundraising (including Gift Aid, excluding race fees & costs). Updated 29/9/25
Our individual stars: Chris (10k), Holly (10k), Jackie (10k), Lizzie (1/2), Maria (5k), Megan (10k), Rich (1/2), Sam (10k), Svetlana (1/2), Volodymyr (5k)
Team Unum: Achish (10k), Adam (10k), Chloe (5k), Jamie (10k), Kate (10k), Lilly (5k), Steve (10k), Ty (10k)
Team Total Energies: Ana (5k), Jennifer (5k), Josh Harvey (1/2), Michael (10k), Sarah (5k)
Team Rand Associates: Cheryl (10k), David (1/2), Rob (10k), Simon (1/2)
Team Celtic Contractors: Jon (10k), Simon (10k), Max (10k)
Team Moon Hall School: Hakan (5k), Sid (5k)
Team Holmesdale School: Sharon (5k), Kayleigh (1/2)
Reigate Heath Golf Club: Leo (10k)
Reigate Squash Club: Paul (10k)
Pen Underwriting: Paul (1/2)
nTrust: Bruce (10k)
Our young runners: Beatrice (Reception/Y1), George (Y3), Grace (Y7/8), Matilda (Y4), Millie (Y3), Milo (Y4), Orla (Y3), Saoirse (Y5), Thomas (Y6)
Injuries (but were still with us in spirit): Holly (5k), Lila (5k), Jackie (5k)
After the success of our first pre-race event last year, we had no doubt it was going to become a regular fixture. Despite the autumnal weather, our runners turned out in force to collect their goody bags, t-shirts/caps and race numbers.
Most importantly, they had the chance to meet the fundraising team and their fellow runners, and to see the warehouse for themselves – giving them a clear sense of how the money they raise will be used.
They left with lots of encouragement, motivation and excitement – well and truly race ready.
As the sun rose, so did the early birds from the Stripey Stork team. We were ready to greet our runners as the area around our stall began to turn the brightest shade of orange.
Our winner’s podium was perfectly placed for runners to capture their proud post-race moments. The teddy tombola, complete with adoption certificates, was a huge hit – with 200 furry friends finding new homes throughout the day.
There wasn’t a quiet moment as our stall became a hive of activity – a meeting point for runners, their families and friends, curious people wanting to learn more about what we do, and plenty of familiar faces coming to say hello.
Volodymyr is our young hero. Just 14 when he and his family arrived in the UK, fleeing the war in Ukraine, they found safety in Reigate through the family sponsorship scheme. Since then, we’ve supported them with essentials such as clothes, school uniform, bedding and toiletries. Volodymyr got in touch because he wanted to give back:
“I have never forgotten this kindness and the way it made us feel welcome and safe.”
He put himself forward to run the 5k, aiming to raise £200. After asking everyone he knew, he took it upon himself to reach out to the wider community via the We Love Reigate Facebook group. Within two days, he had raised over £1,000! He’s been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of strangers, something he’d never experienced until moving here:
“I just wanted to say that Sunday was truly one of the most unforgettable days of my life. Every runner was amazing, and I had the chance to meet some really great people from Team Stork while running. The atmosphere was incredible, and the support at the finish line is something I’ll never forget.”
We’ve been inspired by his resilience, his kindness and how quickly he’s embraced the English language. And this is just the start – his goal is to take on longer running events over the next year, continuing to fundraise for Stripey Stork.
Read more about his journey here: https://stripeystork.org.uk/volodymyrs-journey-of-gratitude-and-giving-back/
How can we ever do justice to our Stripey Stork cowgirls? Every year we eagerly await their costume reveal, and every year they outdo themselves. They did it again! They couldn’t have raised more awareness for us if they’d galloped in on stripey horses shouting “yeehaw”!
They certainly achieved what they set out to do – raise awareness, raise funds, and raise smiles. We’ll let the photos speak for themselves.
We hugely value the relationships we have with our corporate partners. Many first discover Stripey Stork through a team volunteering day – and once they see the impact, they’re hooked, looking for other ways to help. Run Reigate is the perfect opportunity.
We’re incredibly grateful to the teams/individuals from Unum (one of our charity partners), Total Energies, Rand Associates, Celtic Contractors (long term supporters), Pen Underwriting and nTrust for giving it their all on the day and with their fundraising. Several of these companies have even promised to match-fund their employees’ sponsorship – more details to follow, but needless to say we are beyond grateful for this boost.
“Proud to be supporting Stripey Stork as part of the nTrust team. I’m especially grateful for the heads-up about the final hill on the way home, kept a bit in the tank and achieving a personal best was a fantastic way to round off the day.”
Bruce, from nTrust
Thanks to Hakan and Sid from Moon Hall School, who supported each other every step of the way. Sid told us afterwards:
“It was an absolute pleasure to run for Stripey Stork. The atmosphere was amazing, and seeing so many runners in orange really gave us a sense of community and purpose. We definitely had a lot of fun and it was inspiring to be part of such a positive event.”
Paul from Reigate Squash Club (where Stripey is Charity of the Year) was our first runner to set up his fundraising page – his enthusiasm never wavered, and even after he finished his race he was still full of energy, eager to give his fundraising one final push.
Leo, from Reigate Heath Golf Club (where Stripey Stork is the Captains’ Charity for 2025/26), was inspired to run after attending a talk from our Fundraising team. Hearing stories of the families we support made him determined to play his part.
A heartfelt thanks to Alison, Ann, Jo, Karen & Mace, Kathryn, Liz, Marg, Mary, Nancy, the Newburn family, Penny and Viv for volunteering on the day – from car park duties, to cheer squad, to manning the stall. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Thanks also to our fabulous Stripey Stork team who gave up part of their Sunday to help: Charlotte, Millie, Nancy, Nicola, Ruth, Sara, Sarah and Susy.
If this has inspired you to dust off your sports gear – or even take on your very first challenge – we’d love you to do it for Team Stork.
We’ll support you every step of the way, and with so many challenge events throughout the year, as well as Run Reigate 2026, there’s something for everyone.
On Sunday 21st September, the wait was finally over – Run Reigate 2025 had arrived!
We are delighted to announce two fantastic new additions to our Fundraising Team at Stripey
This year, Stripey Stork has been proud to be the chosen charity for Reigate Heath
Racing past their fundraising target as they cycled over 300km from London to Paris On