Staff on the run are supported by local businesses

Hopwood Hall College staff getting ready for the Bupa Manchester 10K run

The team of 32 staff from Hopwood Hall College running in the Bupa Manchester 10K later this month are splitting their time between training and raising sponsorship for their chosen charity - Springhill Hospice.

In addition to generous sponsorship from friends, family and other staff at the College, the group has secured generous donations from Lloyds Bank (North West) and Manchester based financial consultants RSM Tenon.

Mike Stevenson, Regional Head of Education, Community & Government at Lloyds Bank (North West), said: “We don’t very often provide sponsorship in this way as we have our own designated annual charity for which our staff give their time and money to support. But I am very impressed with the huge level of commitment from the Executive Team and staff at the College and so would like to offer sponsorship. Very best of luck to all of you.”

The College’s team involves the whole Executive Team, including the Principal and Deputy Principal, and they gather every Monday night to train, gradually increasing the distance until they can all reach their 10K target.

Deputy Principal, John Spindler, commented: “Some of the team were new to running but we’ve all been encouraging them along the way. The training has been hard but, by the run itself on 26 May, we expect to be lean (ish) fit (ish) and fast (ish)!

"We are so grateful to everyone who has sponsored us, especially to Lloyds Bank and RSM Tenon for their generous donations which will benefit such a worthwhile charity.

"Now we can’t wait to cross the finish line so we can all have a well-deserved rest.”