7:00am Sunday 21st March 2010
The generous people of Bolton proved to be a sporting lot when they took part in a series of fundraising events to show their support for Sport Relief.
Schools, workplaces and groups of friends from across the area did their bit for the appeal by pushing themselves to the limit.
Youngsters at one nursery walked for half-an-hour in a quirky take on the egg and spoon race, while a Bolton company organised a mile run in a popular beauty spot.
Janine Green, from Daisy Chain Nursery in Breightmet, said: “We held the event on two days and 28 children aged from three to four took part. All the children knew why they were raising the money and took home sponsor forms.
“We didn’t organise a race as such and all the children had a lot of fun carrying an egg on a spoon as they walked the length of the school grounds.”
Marketing agency, The Silk Group, based in Chorley New Road, organised Bolton’s own Sports Relief Mile — to run or walk one, three or six miles — in Queens Park after realising there wasn’t an official one taking place in the borough.
Teachers from local schools, businessmen and women as well as locals took part.
Organisers handed out a pedometer and provided refreshments afterwards.
Managing director, Pete Slater, said: “The nearest Sport Relief Mile was in Manchester. So we organised a local one to give people a chance to get involved and raise money. We have had interest from local business and Bolton School.”
Local celebrities joined in the fun too with BBC Radio Manchester football commentator Ian Cheeseman stopping by the Reebok Stadium as part of a 90-mile bike ride. The Radcliffe-born presenter cycled around the nine football league grounds in the radio station’s area, stopping at each one for live broadcasts.
Bolton Sixth Form College students organised a variety of events and challenges at the Farnworth Campus in Queen Street.
They donated gifts for a bring and buy stall and dressed up in a variety of costumes while the more energetic were sponsored for running round Farnworth park.
Staff and students from the PE and Health & Social Care departments carried out fitness tests in the main reception and gave out tips for healthy living.
l Sport Relief takes place every year to raise money for charities at home and abroad.
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