Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Fun on the run for hospice
Athletic pupils from Monklands’ secondaries were among more than 1600 runners who took part in the annual schools’6km road race and fun run in support of St Andrew’s Hospice.
They raised thousands of pounds in sponsorship for the Airdrie charity by taking part in the popular event, held at Strathclyde Park and supported by youngsters and staff from 36 schools across North and South Lanarkshire.
Luke McCafferty of St Andrew’s High in Coatbridge was the second male pupil to finish in a time of 20 minutes and 13 seconds; while Chryston High pupil Lucy Sommerville was the second female pupil home, in 26:01.
In the adult categories, Clare Hughes of St Margaret’s High was the first female finisher in 24:01, with Deborah Hannah of Airdrie Academy third in 25:17; while Stephen Allen of Airdrie Academy and James Breen from St Andrew’s High were second and third respectively in the men’s race, in 21:27 and 22:45.
Pre-race entertainment was provided by Des Clarke of Capital Scotland, plus DJ David Cluckie, performers from Pamela Logan School of Dance and cheerleaders from St John Ogilvie High; while the event was sponsored by IHE Stainless.
Hospice head of fundraising John Brady thanked all the participants, saying:“The tremendous turnout not only demonstrates the extraordinary support for the hospice but shows just how special the school communities of Lanarkshire truly are.
“The young people and staff are an absolute credit to themselves, their families and their schools. We’d like to thank all those who attended, and our sponsor, volunteers and the many others who gave their time on the day.
“Our fundraising team has to raise £88,000 every week to deliver care services to patients and their families from all over Lanarkshire, and we couldn’t continue to do this without the terrific support of school communities who continue to attend events and give generously to St Andrew’s Hospice.”