We went the extra mile for Sport Relief (From Ledbury Reporter)

We went the extra mile for Sport Relief

2:00pm Monday 2nd April 2012 in Ledbury

PEOPLE of all ages from Malvern went the extra mile to help ensure this year’s Sports Relief was the most successful ever.

The fund-raising extravaganza, which took place last weekend, has so far raised more than £50 million for good causes at home and abroad.

Among those to put on their trainers and run a mile for the cause were children from Upton Primary School.

Pupils and staff went into school on Friday dressed as famous sportspeople and classes took turn to run their mile by completing eight laps of the school field.

Headteacher Julie Wills said the children managed to raise £180.

“The weather was amazing, there was a really nice atmosphere and it was just a fabulous day,” she said.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to all the children, our staff and all the parents and neighbours who supported us for making it such a positive occasion.”

Students at South Worcestershire College’s Malvern campus, in Albert Road North, also got in on the act by completing a mile on the field behind neighbouring Malvern Youth Centre.

Organiser Paddy Hannigan said: “It was a cause that our students really got behind. We had about 45 taking part and have raised about £500.

Malvern Joggers Juniors took part in the Sport Relief Mile at Perdiswell Sport Centre, a race won by founder Andy Dickenson and son Jack.

Although spring sunshine was welcomed by most Sports Relief participants, it made for hot work for Malvern plumber Ian Furlong, who completed his mile wearing his Royal Air Force Reserves uniform.

The 50-year-old was one of a dozen local people participating in The One Show’s 1000 charity relay. He raised a total of £65.

“It was a bit warm but I certainly enjoyed it, and it was good fun being on the bus with people from all walks of life, from experienced runners to people who had never done anything like this before,” he said.

“It’s a really good cause and I think for it to have raised more than £50 million in the current financial climate is fantastic.”