Colleges join to run Race For Life
TWO Halton colleges came together to raise money for Cancer Research UK with a spectacular Race For Life event at Victoria Park in Widnes.
Hundreds of students and staff members from Riverside and Cronton Sixth Form College took part in the event which was organised by staff members Helen Maddison, Joe Clements and Natalie Patten, and sponsored by Young Addaction Halton.
It was the second college Race For Life after a hugely successful event last year.
Prior to the race the partici- pants wrote down the reasons why they are taking part, with reasons such as losing a loved one to cancer or personal battles with the condition.
These were proudly displayed by the runners during the race and are now displayed on a wall in the college foyer.
Cllr Eddie Jones signalled the start of the five kilometre run.
The race was won after an impressive performance by Cronton student Nathan Jones, a former pupil at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy who now studies sport and uniformed services at the college.
Following the race, each participant headed to Riverside’s Centre Stage Theatre for a celebration of their achievement.
Widnes Vikings players Greg Burke and James Chapelhow, Everton FC legends Derek Temple and Duncan McKenzie, England and Everton Ladies FC defender Gabby George and Everton Ladies FC manager Andy Spence were special guests on the day to present the runners with medals.
A barbecue took place to cap off the celebrations.
Along with accepting cash donations at both colleges, a Just Giving page was begun online and so far more than £4,000 has been raised in total through the event with donations still coming in.
College enrichment officer and event co-organiser Joe Clements said: “This year’s ● Race For Life has been bigger and better than last year; we have raised an incredible amount of money for Cancer Research UK and it was amazing to see so many people taking part in this special event.
“We have smashed last year’s total amount raised and donations are still coming in.
“I would like to say a big thank you to everybody who took part and made donations, and also to our guests who presented the medals; everybody was very excited to meet them.
“We are already planning for next year’s event which will be even bigger!” ● To make a donation visit https:// www. justgiving. com/ fundraising/Riverside-College ●