Runners raise £2k for cancer trust

Each year, the running club membership nominates a charity which it supports through proceeds generated from the annual Wetherby 10k race and other fundraising efforts. 

“The BCRT was selected as the charity for 2021 because it represents a very personal cause for the club,” said a club spokesman.

“One of its longstanding members, Helen Pursaill, has been supporting her 11-year-old daughter through recent treatments for bone cancer.

“She is also a hospital consultant, working tirelessly on our NHS frontline to provide patient care throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.” 

The past few months have brought about many challenges for grass roots athletics clubs, with races largely cancelled and weekly parkruns suspended throughout the UK.

“Despite these difficulties, the club has been keen to arrange a run that would allow members to come together in a Covid-19 safe and practical way to support Helen and her family at this difficult time,” added the spokesman.

To ensure that the event was compliant with Government guidelines, runners were set off for the 5km at three-minute intervals. They were allowed to start alongside household members or one other friend outside this bubble. In a show of support for the charity, 128 runners turned out. 

The fastest female times went to Nina Maddick (22:10), Rebecca Normington (22:12), Pip Storrar and Gill Edmondson (22:30); with the quickest male times going to Daniel Linstrum (17:38), James Wood (18:07), and Tom Davey (18:31) who was also the fastest junior under 15.  

“In a true display of generosity, the club was also delighted to receive donations from passers-by.

“Although the global pandemic has separated us all in physical distance, perhaps the event’s success is proof of how much it has served to strengthen Wetherby’s community spirit.”

Wetherby Runners caters for people of all abilities from complete beginners to seasoned athletes. Details of sessions available and how to join can be found at the club website - www.wetherbyrunnersac.co.uk.