Nik's gruelling marathon challenge

A FOOTBALL fan from Coalpit Heath was given a rousing standing ovation by fellow Bristol Rovers supporters, after completing seven marathons in seven days for charity.

Nik Weeks has raised more than £9,700 so far for the club’s community trust in tribute to Rovers left-back Nick Anderton, who was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer last summer.

He timed his seven marathons to take place in the week before his team took on Portsmouth at the Memorial Ground on March 18, and was introduced on the pitch to a rousing reception.

Nik, a police Sergeant at Bristol Port Authority, was joined for the last leg of the run by his son Archie – wearing a number 16 shirt to represent Anderton, who is being treated for osteosarcoma.

Nik was tearful as he was presented with a replica Rovers shirt with “Weeksy 183.4 miles” printed on the back, in honour of

Yate Town Council Update

Warm Welcome

As we welcome spring, and reflect on the winter season, nothing could have prepared Yate Town Council for the generosity and support we have received from our community, for the Warm Welcome project.

the seven 26.2-mile marathons he had completed.

Interviewed after the presentation, Nik said he couldn’t believe the reception.

He said: "I know what I achieved is pretty good - without blowing my own trumpet - it's been hard work, but walking around that pitch and everybody shouting out and clapping...I walked around with my little boy and the Pompey fans were brilliant as well."

He even got a mention on Sky’s Soccer Saturday programme where presenter Jeff Stelling praised his efforts.

As he neared the end of the challenge Nik's wife Emma told supporters he had received a message from Anderton during the challenge, which made him even more determined.

Bristol Rovers Community Trust chief executive Adam Tutton said: “When Nik came into our office and told us about

WECA Planting

this challenge, we were all gobsmacked.

"We are so grateful that he’s taken on the 7 For 7 Challenge to benefit the Community Trust.

"The funds raised will make an enormous difference for many people within our communities.”

The trust runs inclusion, health, education and sports participation projects in the Bristol area.

In 2020 Nik set himself the challenge of running five marathons in five days for the Trust – raising £13,300 for the Community Trust and charity TOFS, which offers support for those born unable to swallow.

He was inspired for this year's challenge by the team's 7-0 nil over Scunthorpe last May, which secured promotion to League One on the final day of last season.

Donations to Nik’s online fundraising page can be made at justgiving.com/campaign/ sevenforseven

As part of Yate Town Council’s Local Nature Action Plan (LNAP) which aims to protect and enhance biodiversity and wildlife, the Town Council was awarded nearly £15,000 by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) Pollinator Fund, to help rewild the town and protect our pollinators!

In partnership with organisations, businesses, faith and community groups across Yate and the surrounding parishes, the Warm Welcome has provided more than 50 weekly warm space dropin sessions and since its launch in October 2022, more than 1,200 sessions have been open to our community – along with countless cups of coffee, biscuits and many hot meals!

The community’s role in hosting these facilities has provided a lifeline for many, and we cannot thank our partners enough for their role in the Warm Welcome’s success.

Yate Town Council and a selection of partners will continue to provide Warm Welcome spaces throughout the year. You can find more information regarding Warm Welcome spaces that will remain open after 31st March 2023, on the Yate Town Council Website.

The first phase of the project involved the planting of more than 12,000 flower bulbs, 70 native trees and 40 fruit trees; and also, the installation of coir rolls in Brinsham Lake to help the lake establish vegetation, which is vital for pollinating wildlife. The next phase of the project, set to take place in mid to late spring, will include the reinstatement of the conservation pond at Brinsham Fields; millions of wildflower seeds will be sewn and hundreds of nutrient rich shrubs will be planted across North Yate to provide essential habitat and delicious food. In addition, the community will help create two new mini beast mansions (also known as bug hotels) for small but mighty insets, who need somewhere to rest, after doing a blooming good job pollinating our plants!

To watch this project flourish, visit our parks and green spaces at Peg Hill Skate Park, Halifax Road, Millside and Brinsham Fields!

To keep up to date with these projects, events and all things Yate! follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, visit our website or contact us at info@yatetowncouncil.gov.uk