GOINGGLOBAL
his new stylish running apparel goes from strength to strength as it takes on the world. Natalie Lucas caught up with the man behind ashmei, Stuart Brooke. For a relatively new brand, ashmei
T
certainly is doing well. The product can now be found in the States, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway, Denmark and Sweden. And this is with very little marketing. Stuart did some marketing in America and the UK
but that’s about it. The apparel appears to be so good it has sold itself. Stuart says: “Sales were brilliant in December and I thought January would be quiet, but it’s been really busy. I’m currently looking for a warehouse for all the stock.” One accolade that may have helped is GQ Magazine naming ashmei as one of the 100 best things in the world to have in 2011. “My product was sitting alongside super cars, yachts and Swiss watches. I was dead chuffed.”
And what to expect next from ashmei? Stuart is working on a waterproof jacket for next winter, using a fabric that’s not laminated but is breathable. He’s meeting with chemists and mills and he is 100% behind his products; you can tell his heart is completely in it. He is also working on a new fabric - a cotton that has a finish that wicks moisture but also dries very fast. “It will be a natural yarn that is sustainable and won’t harm the planet.” He is also working on shorts that will have a merino mix and will be a compression short with a normal short over the top. Stuart couldn’t be more enthusiastic around merino wool. “It keeps you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s warm. It’s expensive but worth it. Hence the hefty price of the gear. However that doesn’t seem to be putting anyone off.” Currently ashmei only produces
men’s apparel but good news ladies, as Stuart has plans to produce the same range in women’s gear this year: “They will have a women’s finish, ie nipped in at the waist but will look like the men’s products.” The Ed can’t wait!
GOING THE EXTRA MILE FOR SUE RYDER
C
heltenham’s largest running club, Almost Athletes, prides itself on the support that it offers to runners
of all levels and combines its passion for running with fundraising for local charities. A close relationship has been forged with Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice in Gloucestershire; currently the club’s nominated charity. Homemade treats proved popular at two of their organised races – Linda
Franks and Devil’s Chimney Chase, attracting over 500 participants and raising £1,500 for Sue Ryder. Almost Athlete’s Becky Stephens, along with three other club members, will be running in The Virgin London Marathon 2012 as a result of winning a much-coveted golden bond place through the club draw. For Becky, her first experience of running the capital’s world-famous marathon will be enhanced by knowing that she will have raised sponsorship for the Gloucestershire Hospice of which she has first hand experience as a Registered Nurse. Shelley Taylor, Running & Challenge Fundraiser commented “We are truly grateful for the fundraising
36 n
www.runningfreemag.co.uk
efforts of Almost Athletes and are very excited to see Becky complete her first London Marathon. We’ll be standing by to congratulate her and all of our wonderful runners on 22nd April. With the kind support of our local communities, we are able to provide specialist complex care to patients suffering with life-limiting illnesses.” Sue Ryder believe that life’s a
journey. And on that journey people can face huge challenges. Take on your own personal challenge and help Sue Ryder provide expert and compassionate care for people facing the challenges of a life threatening illness by raising sponsorship. n To register for your charity gold place in the Brighton, ING New York City Marathon, Mizuno Reading Half or The BUPA Great North Run visit:
www.sueryder.org. For more information on Almost Athletes visit
www.almostathletes.org.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64