Chariots of Fire 2019: 101 pictures as runners raise money for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust
More than 2,100 runners took part in the Chariots of Fire relay race, and it is hoped they will have raised £100,000 in sponsorship for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (Act).
Teams of six completed the 1.7-mile course around Cambridge city centre on Sunday (September 22) morning.
Some wore fancy dress, while others focused on completing the race as quickly as they could, with Secret Squirrel the first team home in 56min 54sec.
The sponsorship money will help fund a new emergency children’s ambulance service, dedicated to providing more than 1,700 of the region’s sickest children with the highest level of care.
Shelly Thake, CEO of Act, said: “I want to personally thank everyone who participated and attended the wonderful Chariots of Fire event on Sunday.
Chariots of Fire 2019, Queens Green, Cambridge. Hewitsons Team. Picture: davidjohnsonphotographic.co.uk. (17215698)
“It was an incredible day showing what can be achieved when we all come together. Thanks to everyone’s support, we are now much closer to providing a dedicated emergency children’s ambulance service to ensure that sick children get to Addenbrooke’s as quickly as possible.
“Currently, a child needing a specialist ambulance must wait for one to arrive from London. The team then have to prepare the child before transferring them to another hospital and this wait can cause undue delay and distress.
Chariots of Fire 2019, Queens Green, Cambridge. Picture: davidjohnsonphotographic.co.uk. (17215733)
“Having an ambulance based at Addenbrooke’s will greatly reduce the wait and transfer time, giving a child the best chance of survival.”
Chariots of Fire is organised each year by Hewitsons Charitable Trust.
Charles Hewitson, the race director, said: “Every year the sponsorship made by the supporters of Chariots of Fire has proven to be a testament to the city’s generosity. Each pound raised will help Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust buy the ambulance the region sorely needs. I would therefore encourage all teams who have not yet provided their sponsorship monies to do so and show their support.”
All sponsorship money is due by the end of the year.
The race was started by TV star Cliff Parisi, known for playing Fred Buckle in Call the Midwife.
Applications to be the official charity for the 2020 race will be live in mid-October at chariots-of-fire.co.uk.
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