The return of a Charity Pram Race has been cancelled after a £4,500 claim of “loss of earnings” from Windermere Petrol Station
The New Year Charity Pram Race that was due to make a triumphant return in just a few weeks has been cancelled. The event was being resurrected by Windermere and Ambleside Lions who ran the event for 25 years up until the turn of the Millennium. But in a message to the many entries, marshals and sponsors event director Ben Berry said he hit a road block:
“Windermere Petrol station are pursuing me personally and the Lions club for £4,500 loss of earnings for the few hours the road will be closed. Whilst we have event insurance and corporate legal cover this wouldn’t cover any claim. 10% of what they want would wipe most of what we would raise on the day and drag the club through the dirt.
It has broken my heart but the club and I have decided to cancel the pram race.”
The event would have seen hundreds of people on the streets of Windermere enjoying a community event raising funds for charity. Ben Berry said was very upset and that he felt like he had “let everyone down” especially those now building prams, including school children.
Speaking on behalf of Windermere and Ambleside Lions Club Lion President Peter Irvine said:
“We are so disappointed to have to cancel this event. Everyone was so happy to see it come back and to have this hit us now at the eleventh hour is hard for us to swallow. Every business, including the petrol station, would have benefited from this community focused event. I would like to thank the residents and larger business community for the massive support we had. As a small local charity we couldn’t risk this erroneous claim taking any funds that would otherwise be given to charity.”
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The full message sent to supporters yesterday (Sunday 21st December)
Dear entries, marshals and sponsors of the Charity Pram Race,
When I set out to bring this event back I was so happy with the massive support the whole community showed me and the Lions Club. Entries were coming in, a whole host of local businesses were happy to sponsor it, St Johns Ambulance were willing to run the safety for free, I had a local mechanics shop donating tyres for our chicanes, the road closure was supported by the council, the posters were being proudly displayed everywhere…
But then I hit a road block. Windermere Petrol station are pursuing me personally and the Lions club for £4,500 loss of earnings for the few hours the road will be closed. Whilst we have event insurance and corporate legal cover this wouldn’t cover any claim. 10% of what they want would wipe most of what we would raise on the day and drag the club through the dirt.
It has broken my heart but the club and I have decided to cancel the pram race.
I would have liked to have called you or visited you but I’m quite upset over it all. We have put so much effort in with so many people are looking forward to it and I feel like I have let everyone down, especially those building prams.
We made the decision late on Friday and I wanted to make sure I let you all know before it hits the press on Monday.
Have a Merry Christmas and thank you for your support.
Ben