A team of runners from City of Bristol College proudly joined forces with Bristol Sport Foundation at this year’s AJ Bell Great Bristol Run, raising an incredible £9,083 (including Gift Aid) to support disadvantaged children and young people across Bristol.
Taking on either the 10km or half marathon challenge, colleagues from the college ran alongside fellow supporters on behalf of Bristol Sport Foundation, helping to fund programmes that provide vital opportunities for young people facing significant challenges.
The fundraising effort follows City of Bristol College’s partnership with Bristol Sport Foundation, which aims to support disadvantaged children across the city through the power of sport and education.
Among those taking part was Abby Goulding, Events & Alumni Co-Ordinator at City of Bristol College, who completed her first ever half marathon.
She said: “The run was great, the atmosphere in Bristol was amazing on race day. It’s my first ever half marathon and I’m really proud of myself, I got a sub 2:30.
“Partnering with Bristol Sport Foundation so that we could fundraise for them and contributing to raising £9000 is something that I’m really proud of.
“At City of Bristol College, we were thinking of how we can provide children with additional opportunities; obviously, we already work in a purpose driven sector, but it’s looking at how we can further give back to our community and we decided to support the amazing work that Bristol Sport Foundation is doing in supporting children who wouldn’t otherwise have access to these opportunities.”
Also taking part was Olivia Fox, Copywriter and Communications Officer at City of Bristol College, who completed the 10km race – her first ever running event.
She commented: “I am so proud to have ran the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run 10km on behalf of Bristol Sport Foundation – my first ever race!
“I had my sights set on entering a 10km race event this year and I jumped at the chance when offered the opportunity to combine running with fundraising for this wonderful charity.
“The work that Bristol Sport Foundation do to enrich the lives of underprivileged young people across the city is truly inspiring and is an incredibly worthy cause.”
The college also extends a special thank you to Dovetail & Slate / Talentia Group for generously funding the team’s running tops, which were proudly worn by participants throughout the event.
Lara Short, Head of People and Culture at Bristol Sport Foundation, praised the fundraising achievement and highlighted the impact that the donations will have on communities across the city.
She remarked: “Thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts, a total of £9,083 (including Gift Aid) was raised for Bristol Sport Foundation. An absolutely incredible amount.
“The fundraising will help us continue delivering programmes that support children and young people who are facing significant challenges, particularly in disadvantaged communities across the city.
“From mentoring vulnerable pupils through our Elevate Mentoring programme, to teaching healthier lifestyles through Health Squad and creating accessible basketball opportunities through Project Take Off, this support is helping us use the power of sport to change lives.”
The AJ Bell Great Bristol Run united some 25,000 runners and , with City of Bristol College proud to play its part in supporting Bristol Sport Foundation’s mission to create brighter futures for young people through sport, mentoring and wellbeing programmes.
