Staff and pupils go on run for hospice
AGROUP of teachers and pupils from Hazel Grove High School are set to take part in the Great Manchester Run to raise funds for Francis House Children’s Hospice.
Dave Bradbury, business studies teacher at the Stockport school, has rallied a team of 16 colleagues, including senior management staff, to take on the 10k and half marathon course on Sunday, May 20.
Dave was so impressed by his students’ hard work in a Dragon’s Den style enterprise competition held at Manchester airport that raised more than £280 for Francis House, that he asked the staff to do something equally ambitious.
He said: “When we did the enterprise competition the students worked really hard on it and we were given such enthusiastic support from Francis House.
“I don’t think that it is too much to ask for us to do a charity run.”
Joining the teachers taking on the 10k are sixth form students Shae Crawford and Harry Meats.
Eight of the more experienced running staff and their partners are tackling the 13.1 mile half marathon.
“There are a core of people at the school who love running, two or three of the teachers run most mornings before school,” said Dave.
“Scott Richardson, our head of computing ,wouldn’t class himself as a runner, but he has been the catalyst for getting everyone in the department involved,”
The teachers are also motivating themselves through a Whatsapp group by posting up pictures from training runs, promoting competitive banter between the departments.
Dave’s wife Claire and two-year-old son William will be in the crowd on the day, waving Francis House flags in support.
Dave said: “I’ve done the Great Manchester Run every year for the last 10 years.
“It has a unique atmosphere, with crowds of people cheering you on, it really is amazing.
“It’s a far enough distance that I can cope with and if I complete it in under an hour I’ll be quite happy.”
Last year the high school team raised £540 for St Ann’s Hospice and are hoping to exceed that amount.
Francis House provides respite care to children and young people with life-limiting conditions and support for their families.
To support Team Hazel Grove High’s fundraising visit www.justgiving. com/fundraising/DavidBradbury13
Deadline for entries into the Great Manchester Run close on Friday, May 11.
If you would like to register for a place call the fundraising office on 0161 443 2200.