A PROFUSION of pink headed to the starting line as a North Yorkshire school provided one the biggest party of charity runners.
One hundred and thirty five volunteers from Richmond School and Sixth Form College joined the masses for the annual Race for Life.
The 5km trial is expected to raise thousands of pounds from the Richmond school alone as each competitor was asked to find at least £10, with many already topping the £50 mark. Proceeds go to Cancer Research UK.
PE teacher Helen Southgate was overwhelmed with the response after she made a school-wide appeal for runners for the event in South Park, Darlington.
“I thought I might need a bus but wasn’t expecting to fill three coaches,” she said. “Students and staff have responded brilliantly well and I am so proud of them.”
Years 7-13 students were given a briefing and handed race packs including Richmond School branded pink shirts paid for by sponsors.
They included Richmond School PTA, Richmond School Trustees, Richmond Garage Services, Open CRM of Colburn, and Richmond Classic Motorcycle Restoration.
“Sponsors have been fantastic and it means that all the money raised can go to Race for Life,” said Mrs Southgate. “The event is close to my heart and I am thrilled to have such great support.
“Our schoolchildren and sixth formers are amazing and so often throw themselves into community initiatives like this. It was an incredible experience for them showing them how they can make a real difference to people’s lives.”
