On Saturday 6 July Exmouth Karate Academy hosted its second Exmouth Cup after the inaugural karate charity competition last July in aid of MIND.
This year, the Exmouth Cup was in aid of Devon based charity Dream-A-Way. A volunteer run charity, where all volunteers give their time and services freely so they don’t incur any administration costs meaning more people receive help. Dream-A-Way have been making a difference to Devon’s children and adults with disabilities since 1993. They provide grants towards holidays and arrange fun days out so their guests can enjoy a much needed break.
Karate clubs from across Devon, Somerset, Wales and Portsmouth attended the event, which was organised by Exmouth Karate Academy chief instructor Kevin Berry and Lympstone Dojo chief instructor Marianne Fox. The charity run competition is aimed at introducing karate students to competition, providing a warm friendly atmosphere where they can experience and learn. As well as raising awareness and funds for Dream-A-way.
All the events proceeds go to the charity, thus the event couldn’t have gone ahead without the help of our kind sponsors. Thank you to Kitsons solicitors, MK plumbing & heating and Lympstone Dojo who provided sponsorship towards the costs of the medals. While Jean from Top to Toe massage, Colin at Dymani strength, Bill Roper (Ashcombe Cider) and Lympstone Dojo provided raffle prizes. Entry fees, money raised through the raffle and generous donations, an auction was held for private lessons with 6thDan Sensei Trevor Jarrett of Cullompton and Exeter University clubs and 5thDan Sensei John Penman of Exeter and Clyst Hydon clubs. This raised an incredible further £230. All together an incredible amount of £1350.69 was raised for Dream-A-Way.
During the event Martin, who has been involved in the charity for over 16 years, was invited to speak and shared his personal story on how the charity helped his family when they were dealt an unexpected card meaning family holidays became a something of a dream. After an ex-colleague of his wife introduced the family to Dream-A-Way. They provided the family with a caravan at Devon Cliffs, meaning the family was given their first family holiday but still close to home and a hospital if needed, and most importantly helping create treasured family memories that would last a life time. Dream-A-Way makes a real impact to real people by offering holiday grants, caravan holidays and trips to some local events.
Martin said of the event:
“Being invited to speak at the Exmouth Karate Cup was a massive privilege and to witness the dedication of the participants with both competing and fundraising was inspiring. I was personally in disbelief at the generosity in the room along with the kindness shown to us.”
On Wednesday 17 July Jeff Merrett MBE chairman of Dream-A-Way along with Vice-Chair Gill Freeman and committee member and ambassador Martin visited Exmouth Karate Academy at the Cranford sports centre to meet the clubs members and receive a cheque of the amount raised.
Jeff said “Dream-A-Way were very proud when chosen by the clubs as their charity and absolutely amazed by the massive amount raised. Marianne, Kevin and all the team worked extremely hard to organise their event. Huge thanks to the organisers, sponsors and club members for supporting this event. The money raised will be used to benefit local people with disabilities and help us to make the impossible possible- Thank you. “
The event couldn’t have been a success without everyone involved on the day. Kevin and Marianne can’t thank you all enough for your support in helping to make a real difference to Devon families.
There are numerous karate clubs in the area if you wanted to get involved in our wide family. From Exmouth, Lympstone, Budleigh, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Cullompton, Tiverton, Barnstaple, Wellington, Dartmouth, Milverton, Taunton, Ivybridge and further afield.
Exmouth Karate Academy run lessons on a Wednesday night 18:30 – 20:00 and a Friday 19:00 – 20:30 please contact Kevin on 07894069573 / exmouthkarate.com / facebook/ExmouthKarateAcademy
