Mencap calls on public to design official marathon sock 

Fresh off the stylish heels of West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK Autumn 2015, fashionista Cathy Martin joined Mencap’s Justine Curran to launch Mencap’s Fit Fashion Feet Design Competition.

As the new official charity partner of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon for the next three years, Mencap is calling on creative souls, young and old, to design the official Mencap marathon sock.

The competition is open to everyone and the winning entry, which will be unveiled at Belfast FASHIONWEEK Spring 2016, will serve as Mencap’s official accessory for the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon for 2016-2018.

Justine Curran, Mencap’s Area Fundraising Manager, said:

“The winning design will be turned into a sock worn by supporters of Mencap during the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon Team Relay, 8 Mile Walk and Fun Run. We are looking for entries that are stylish and fun – and that of course celebrate Mencap’s partnership with the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon.

“It’s an exciting time for Mencap and people with a learning disability in Northern Ireland. We are getting closer to our goal of £1.7million for the Big Step Forward Appeal, a public appeal to help build, equip and run our new Children and Families’ Centre, due to open in January 2016. The building itself is just the start of what we want to achieve.

“All money raised through our marathon partnership will ensure that even more children with a learning disability will benefit from our vital services. We are looking forward to seeing all of the designs!”

Cathy Martin, Founder and Organiser, Belfast FASHIONWEEK, will judge the competition. She added:

“I have been supporting Mencap for years as I believe it is an incredible organisation which does so much for families and children with a learning disability. Northern Ireland is home to many fashionable and creative people and the sock competition is a great way for budding designers to gain exposure and also promote a great cause. The wearers will quite literally be able to be part of Mencap’s Big Step Forward campaign, by stepping forward in the newly designed socks at the marathon!”

To enter Mencap’s Fit Fashion Feet Design Competition, download a sock template at mencapbigstepforward.org/socks. Designs must be submitted by 11^th December 2015. Entrants must reside in the UK or ROI and our competition is open to all ages.

For more information or to sign up for the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon in aid of Mencap, visit mencapbigstepforward.orgor email fundraising.ni@mencap.org.uk.