Family Holiday Association to Recruit Team for the Malta Marathon/Half Marathon

London, United Kingdom, September 25, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The Family Holiday Association is recruiting a team to raise funds and take part in the Malta Marathon or Half Marathon on 28 February 2010.

The Family Holiday Association provides a lifeline to families in need, by giving them the chance to have a break away from home during difficult times. Everyone needs a break – a change of scene, a chance to relax and family time to enjoy together. But over two million families with young children are unable to afford even a simple seaside break.

Team Starfish aims to help as many as 100 severely disadvantaged families to get a break away in 2010.

The event is being supported by the Malta Tourism Authority. Alex Incorvaja, the MTA’s director for UK and Ireland said “we are great admirers of the work of the Family Holiday Association which does so much to change the lives of children and their families. We have supported the charity for more than three years and are delighted to be able to welcome Family Holiday Association supporters to Malta in February.”

TUI UK & Ireland, one of the UK’s largest travel companies is also supporting the event by encouraging staff to run for the charity. David Burling, TUI’s Commercial Director, has already signed up. He said "I'm looking forward to the challenge of running in Malta and fundraising for the Family Holiday Association. Family holidays are a rare chance for us to spend quality time together - something that would greatly benefit vulnerable families who never have that opportunity. Please join me on the team to help give families coping with difficult circumstances the chance to have a much-needed break away."

Ian Chapman, head of TUI’s overseas operations, has also joined Team Starfish. Ian said “ I ran for the Family Holiday Association in the 2007 London Marathon, and the feeling crossing the line at the end was incredible. I really enjoyed the team atmosphere, and the charity staff were really supportive, so when I heard they were putting a team together to run in the Malta Marathon, I jumped at the chance”.

The Team’s travel and accommodation are all being arranged by sports tour specialists Teamlink Travel, whose MD, Mark Gardner, is a seasoned marathon runner and Family Holiday Association supporter. Along with fitness expert Rory Coleman, Mark will ensure that runners receive all the advice and support they need throughout their training, making this an ideal event for everyone from beginners to seasoned marathon runners.

John McDonald, the director of the Family Holiday Association, said “We are delighted to be working together with the Malta Tourism Authority, TUI and Teamlink to make this a very special event for all involved. But the real smiles will come later next year when a hundred UK families with young children will have the chance to experience a seaside holiday for the first time – a simple pleasure that most of us take for granted, but which is beyond the reach of millions of people in the UK.”

Visit http://bit.ly/Malta2010 to find out more and get involved.

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