Posted: 22/12/17
Fundraising runners thinking of others
Santa Clauses, a flurry of elves, a Christmas pudding and even Captain Kirk were seen running from West Nottinghamshire College’s Derby Road campus yesterday (21 December).
On the students’ last day of term, they took to the streets with staff for their annual festive fun run to raise funds for a caring Mansfield charity.
Sixty-nine runners in total undertook the 5km run from college, to Berry Hill Park and back, dressed in an array of Christmas costumes. Learners from other college campuses also joined Derby Road students for the traditional run, now in its sixth year.
The winning runner first back at the finishing post was computer science’s Chris Burton with a time of 15 minutes 17 seconds, while public services student Harriet Hill completed her run in slightly over 27 minutes 3 seconds.
Just over £400 was raised through sponsorship and this money will be used to provide much needed support for homeless people who use the Mansfield Winter Shelter service.
The shelter is based at the Mansfield Baptist Church Centre, on Rosemary Street, and provides refuge for people sleeping rough. It is a partnership between the Baptist church, Mansfield District Council, Mansfield BID and Transforming Notts Together.
Sport development and academy team leader Rob Shaw said: “Once again the Santa run has been an amazing success. As well as supporting the winter shelter we will also be making a contribution to Mencap.
“Well done to all staff and students who supported the race by running marshalling and fundraising. Well done also to computer science student David Brockhouse for the individual who raised the most with his sponsorship, bringing in £107.80.
“It’s truly inspiring to see so many people come together for this activity to help make a positive impact on the local community.”
Mansfield’s Oak Tree Lane branch of Tesco kindly donated bottles of water to keep the participants hydrated, while Sheffield-based fruit and vegetables supplier GW Price Ltd generously donated oranges and bananas to ensure the runners were suitably refreshed. Thanks also go to I-Jump, Pure Gym, Mansfield BID and The Four Seasons for their raffle prize contributions.
