Gladys Erude Memorial Run Fundraiser

The family of celebrated Kenyan broadcaster, the late Gladys Adisa Erude, has announced that the second memorial run in her honour will take place on 9th September 2023 at Tigoi in Vihiga County, western Kenya.

Following the success of the inaugural event at Tigoi Primary School in 2022, a 5 km memorial run is set to become an annual community event staged by the Gladys Erude Organization (GEO) combining fitness, fun and medical checks, and raising funds to construct facilities at schools in Vihiga and Nandi counties.

Ms Erude’s six sons are urging keen local runners, businesses, community groups and County government agencies get involved in the event alongside the local school communities.

“We’re inspired by our mother who was a strong supporter of education in the region where she also went to school, and aspire to uphold her dedication to empowering children and women in underserved communities, GEO Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Victor Lidaywa Erude said.

“GEO works with affiliated partners, local and civic leaders, including residents, to identify the challenges and opportunities in focus regions of Kenya and find creative methods to garner resources to address essential requirements and needs, with a focus on education,” Dr. Victor Lidaywa Erude said.

In consultation with the local communities and other stakeholders in Vihiga and Nandi Counties, GEO is on a mission this year to fundraise USD 10,000 (KES 1.3 million) that will be applied to staging the run, replacing the roof and doors for Tigoi High School and Kapsagawat Primary School, and supporting scholarships for students facing hardship. Both institutions serve over 300 students.

Ms Erude was born in Vihiga County and trained as a teacher before making her mark in broadcasting. The respected Kenyan journalist died in August 2021 after a battle with cancer.

Last year, coinciding with the inaugural memorial run, GEO supported the construction of two modern bathroom stalls for pupils at Tigoi Primary School and one for staff at Kapsagawat Primary School. In addition, sanitary pads were provided to over 200 girls at both schools in partnership with the Centre for Advocacy on the Rights of Youth Africa, while seniors attending the event received free medical checks.

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https://gladyserudeorganization.org/