Way Back When...
Our story started in 2019, when Early Bird Run Crew was founded to create an informal non-competitive running group, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing. Given the benefits of starting your morning with a run, it was a no brainer that this needed to be a club that met bright and early.
The concept was a running group that could work autonomously – run by the runners, for the runners. Formed by the crew members over the years, we really wouldn’t be what we are today without our wonderful people.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT…
EBRC has continued to grow and grow. The impact EBRC has had on the communities each crew serves has been huge. As a result, we decided to do something about this and make it a little bit more official.
In 2022, the founder of EBRC decided it was time to take this community driven opportunity to the next level and continue to enhance and expand the benefits the crew is having.
The founder of EBRC and the Chief Executive of Just ‘B’ (North Yorkshire Hospice Care) had initial talks about coming together, knowing the clear positive impact physical activity has on emotional mental wellbeing.
From this, EBRC was established as a Community Interest Company (Company Number: 14589990) and a wholly owned subsidiary of North Yorkshire Hospice Care. This has enabled EBRC to benefit from infrastructure support to operate, expand and develop. This includes all the formalities, such as HR and personnel support, policies and procedures, Insurance, risk management, strategic development, accounting, marketing, promotion, governance, and administration.
By coming together, we have increased capacity, strengthened combined values, ambition and mission, widen our skill base and offered subtle security to a community initiative that grew overnight.
North Yorkshire Hospice Care is a registered charity in England and Wales (518905) with a family of services operating as Herriot Hospice Homecare, Just ‘B’, Saint Michael’s Hospice and Talking Spaces. North Yorkshire Hospice Care is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (2121179). Registered address Crimple House, Hornbeam Park Avenue, Harrogate, HG2 8NA.
OUR IMPACT
“EBRC has improved my mental health, my physical wellbeing and allowed me to make some true friends for life!”
“I don’t feel embarrassed about the fact that I am a slower runner - there’s always someone to keep me company.”
“My mental and physical health have improved dramatically. Since re-joining the crew in July (after a long period of not running), I have lost 2 stone in weight and feel far more able to juggle a busy home life and demanding job.”
“I’ve found my tribe! I would never have kept running consistently without the support of this crew!”
“Since joining in 2018, I’ve felt part of a team and inspired to do more running & challenge myself. I ran throughout pregnancy and post-natal which can be a lonely place. I have made some great friends through EBRC.”
“It has had a huge impact on both my physical and mental health and has helped me stay consistent with my fitness.”