Barford resident preparing for mammoth challenge to help raise funds for new community centre

A Barford resident is preparing to take on the mammoth challenge of running 100 miles in 24 hours to help raise funds for a new community centre in the village.

Tomas Elek, who is 44, will be taking on the challenge this weekend (June 13 and June 14), by repeatedly running between Barford and Warwick.

At his normal pace, he thinks this will take in excess of 24 hours. His previous longest run was 65 miles.

The run is in aid of a new, much-needed youth and community centre in the village, which will replace the dilapidated scout hut.

The new building will serve the whole community with a large main room, a meeting room and a well-appointed kitchen.

It will host a baby and toddler group, a community cafe, lots of hobby groups, the various youth organisations, church activities, village meetings and will provide the much-needed meeting

capacity for the village's activities.

The project is likely to cost £600,000 and, if funds can be raised, will start on site in 2021.

Tomas said: "The community of Barford inspired me. There is such a nice community here willing to help each other and now we are facing a big task to have a community centre built to replace a very old hut.

"A couple of weeks ago I just wanted to do the run, keeping a low profile.

"But when the word got out I was impressed how many people were inspired and offered their support.

"It is amazing how my challenge got transferred from a physical one to an inspiring event for a good cause."

Tomas is delighted by the support he has already received.

His biggest supporter has been his young daughter, who wrote in her school book “Don’t limit your challenge, challenge your limit”.

As the news spread friends, colleagues and even strangers were offering to run with Tomas on some of the five-mile loops.

Local businesses got inspired and offered their support.

Pizzas from La Cucina Italiana will be delivered to Tomas and his support team to get them going overnight.

Julie Crashaw, project manager for the new building said: “This is such an important new community asset for the village.

"Barford has grown significantly over recent years and really needs this space to ensure that community activity can thrive.

"Every penny must be raised though and we are so thrilled that Tomas has offered to take this challenge on”.

To donate go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/our-community-deserves-this-new-youth-centre