A fun run in memory of Lucy Bland, organised by the Ullswater Community College Sports Council and its PE department raised £11,500 for Children’s Cancer North.
The community lost Lucy to leukaemia last year and in her memory pupils from Langwathby Primary School joined UCC students, some in fancy dress, to run a mile in the mud to raise money.
The run also involved obstacles devised by students on UCC’s Uniformed Protective Services course, who demonstrated and encouraged the participants, who took the obstacles and muddy conditions in their stride.
Over 600 students took part. Sam, Lucy’s brother, led the first wave of runners wearing an inflatable cow costume which was Lucy’s favourite animal.
He repeated the run to lead Langwathby pupils around the course. Sam said: “It was really good fun. It was very muddy, which made it really challenging and even more so in my cow costume! It was great to raise so much money for a charity that helped my sister and my family.
“I was really shocked how many people turned up, there were hundreds and I’m overwhelmed with how much money we have raised.
“It was great to see Ms Love and Ms Hay there from Langwathby, my old primary school.
“I loved leading the primary school students around the course. Thank you for everyone who donated, I know it will do so much good, supporting other families and buying more equipment for the ward.”
Karen Castle, events organiser at UCC, said: “It was lovely to see so many people taking part in a fun activity that Lucy would have loved.
“The resilience showed as the course conditions deteriorated throughout the morning was fantastic.
“Every student that crossed the finish line was very muddy but had a big smile on their face. It was great to see both UCC and Langwathby students working together to both complete the course and also raise lots of money for a fantastic cause. UCC’s Sports Council were amazing in helping organise the event and making sure the younger pupils from Langwathby were looked after.”
Stephen Gilby, headteacher at Ullswater Community College, added: “It is wonderful that the school community has been able to take part and raise this money for such a fantastic charity.
“This is the most money raised in a single event ever by Ullswater Community College and is testimony to how highly regarded Lucy was by the staff, her fellow students and the wider community. Our thoughts remain with all of Lucy’s family and friends.
“Well done and thank you to all who took part and who made a donation.”
