CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — A group of first responders is running from Tallahassee to Lecanto this week to raise money for people with developmental disabilities who don't get any government funding to help with their care.
Fifty out of the 300 disabled adults who go to the “Key Training Center” in Lecanto need help to pay for their care.
"I like helping people that not necessarily can’t do something but need someone out there to advocate for them," said Anthony Seguin, a lieutenant with Citrus County Fire Rescue.
Law enforcement and firefighters from Citrus County are running 180 miles from Tallahassee to Lecanto to raise scholarships for the people that need help.
For runner April Royal, this is a special moment. Her husband Phil Royal who was a captain with the Sheriff’s office spearheaded the running event for 19 years, until a tragedy two years ago.
"He ended up having a heart attack and passing away during the run," said April Royal.
Their daughter was only nine weeks old at the time but today April runs on, just like Phil would’ve wanted.
"We just come out here and run for those who can’t and to raise money for these clients to have an independent life," said Royal.
The runners get into Lecanto on the morning of Saturday, July 28 which will kick off a big fundraiser for the Key Training Center including a walk, bike ride, and a nine-hour telethon on WYKE TV from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
On Saturday there will also be a celebration festival from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Chet Cole Life Enrichment Center located at 5521 W. Buster Whitton Way in Lecanto.
