Andrea has run multiple charity marathons and road races but this 350 yards was the most thrilling to date. It started at 8:20 a.m. in this small coastal town in the South West of England, with beautiful weather and crowds of supporters. Andrea commented that the event was so special and the organisers and supporters so friendly and kind that it really made her feel that it was her “moment to shine”!

At Seedling Trust, we believe our founder’s getting to carry the Olympic Torch as an everyday hero was a beautiful validation of the work we’ve done so far. We’re proud and thrilled with the progress we’ve made in our three years of working to improve the lives of disabled children in municipal care in Hungary. We believe the recognition garnered through this extraordinary honour will help us greatly in promoting our mission to the public and pursuing our organization’s ambitious goals. And we’d like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all those who have supported us from the beginning.

On the occasion of the Olympic torch run, several of our supporters and friends took advantage of this exciting moment to tell us what Seedling Trust’s work has meant to them. Our deepest thanks go to everyone for their inspirational comments, a few of which we’ve reproduced here:

“I saw firsthand Andrea’s tireless activity for disabled children which – I think – are highly appreciated by all who witness it. Her fund-raising activity, including her participation in charity marathons in various countries around the world means a lot for projects helping children in need. She is also considered as the pioneer charity runner in Hungary who introduced charity running in Hungary. “ - Jonathan Knott, British Ambassador to Hungary

“The love and commitment they put in the Seedling organization has been a consistent push for me to do more in my every day. Well done!” - Monica Prati, Wrigley Hungaria Kft.

“Seedling Trust is important, not just for its wonderful work with orphaned and disabled children, but also as an example to others of the success a charity can achieve, in this case utilising marathon running to catch the imagination and raise funds. It can be a catalyst in Hungary to demonstrate the difference that experienced and committed volunteers can make to the lives of disadvantaged people of all types. Charity is not just about giving money, but also about giving time, expertise and effort of all types, whether therapeutic, social care, technical, marketing, IT, business or financial skills …. So take the plunge and ‘do your bit’, for sure you will enjoy it and become an everyday hero too!” - John Smith, Director, CP Holdings Ltd., and trustee, Seedling Trust

“I think that Andrea and the Trust are truly doing pioneering work here in Hungary. I think that the principle that “it only takes a little to help a lot” is particularly valid in this case. Their ideas -- for example, the on-line kilometer counter, are truly creative, simple and brilliant. In my mind, everyone who goes forward with an open heart and open mind to pursue a selfless dream and works tirelessly to realize it day after day is an everyday hero!” - András Várbíró, project manager

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