It was a case of antlers at the ready as Wisbech students joined Rudolph Run
Around 900 students took to their heels on Wednesday to raise money for a local charity that cares for those suffering from cancer and in need of end-of-life care.
Key Stage 3 students at the Thomas Clarkson Academy laced up their running shoes and donned reindeer antlers and red noses for the third annual Rudolph Run organised by the Arthur Rank charity which runs the Alan Hudson Day Care Treatment Centre and provides palliative care to patients in their own homes across Fenland
The TCA was the fifth and final school to complete the run with other schools including Elm Church of England School, Emneth Academy, Wisbech St Mary Academy, and Keyes School based at Begdale already completing their runs.
Toni Bird the charity community partnership officer who organised the runs said she was delighted with the turnout on Wednesday and hopes that the five schools together will have topped last year’s total raised of £4,000.
Among those taking part at TCA was Lily Boughen and her sister whose dad was cared for by Arthur Rank before he died.
Lily’s family posting on the school’s Justgiving page, where donations are still welcome, said: “The Arthur Rank team were an amazing support to our whole family during my husband's last few days at home. My daughters are very happy to be able to do something in return. Good luck, The Boughen's.”
The three year groups from Key Stage 3 completed laps of different areas of the schools grounds cheered on by family and friends.
Toni said it was a great afternoon and everyone seemed to enjoy taking part. The runners were joined by the charity’s mascot Arthur the bear, who was happy to join the fun.
She added that all money raised will go to the Alan Hudson Day Care Treatment Centre and pointed out that to fund palliative care nurse in the community for a 12-hour shift costs £247.
The Rudolph Run not only offers an interactive way for children to learn about hospice care during the Christmas season but also highlights the importance of community spirit and the joy of giving.
Each participating school was given a planning pack that included a pair of festive reindeer antlers to ensure all participants looked the part.
