300 take on fun run to help refugees
NEARLY 300 runners braved the cold to raise a fantastic £5,500 in support of Syrian refugees.
The runners took part in the annual Bollington Fun Run, which is organised in aid of the development charity CAFOD, which supports people living in poverty across the world, including those who are fleeing the war in Syria.
Chris Pimblott, one of the organisers, said: “The Syrian refugee crisis is one which has been around now even longer than the Bollington Fun Run and has slipped down the order of people’s priorities.
“Over 11 million displaced people spent their seventh year away from their homes in Syria, and some families are still separated as a consequence of the war in the region.
“I am pleased that in some small way we can help to alleviate the problems, as the money will go to supporting CAFOD’s work, including the projects it runs helping Syrian refugees.”
The fun run took runners along the Middlewood Way and along Macclesfield canal, with a one mile fun run for chil- dren.
Chris added: “I am grateful to all the volunteers who helped out: setting up the course, helping with publicity, collecting registrations and donations on the day, and providing refreshments. I am also grateful to the race director, Tim Marsh, and the band of marshals without whom we would not be able to get the Fun Run off the ground.”
The Bollington fun run, which has been running for six years, has so far raised a massive £33,000 for the charity.
John Woods, CAFOD’s Macclesfield representative, said: “It was brilliant to see the community coming out so close to Christmas to help to transform lives overseas. It is only with the support of volunteers, like those that organise the Bollington Fun Run each year, that CAFOD is able to support communities most in need around the world’.”
To find out more about CAFOD’s work go to cafod.org.uk.