Sporting chance for £2m target

WITH just a few weeks left before the official opening of the Saxongate Community Learning Centre the donations are still rolling in, edging the appeal closer to its £2 million target. The latest funds have been raised by two groups of sportsmen, who tog

WITH just a few weeks left before the official opening of the Saxongate Community Learning Centre the donations are still rolling in, edging the appeal closer to its

£2 million target.

The latest funds have been raised by two groups of sportsmen, who together are expected to make a donation well in excess of £5,000.

The proceeds were raised by the Papworth Trust's team, which took part in the British 10k London Run, and through a charity golf day at Brampton Park Golf Club.

All the money will be used to continue work on the Papworth Trust's Saxongate centre in Huntingdon, which is due to open in September but is still £150,000 short of its £2 million target.

The shortfall in funds was reduced with the help of the 17 runners who braved the blistering heat to tackle the 10k race in the capital earlier this month. Supported by family and friends and sponsored by Barclays Bank, the team had to run from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall.

"Despite the heat it was a great day and the crowds were fantastic," said Sarah Coward, Papworth's director of development. "I thank all of my fellow runners and those who sponsored us - it will be of great help for the appeal."

The sun was also out on Monday, July 3, when a group of golfers played a round, courtesy of Brampton Park Golf Club, to do their bit for Saxongate.

As well as playing 18 holes, teams of four from around the area enjoyed breakfast, a buffet on return to the clubhouse, a prize giving and a charity auction at the end of the day.

The team winner was Rosedale Children's Services.

At the auction, auctioneer David Creek, former club captain, encouraged bidding for some fantastic prizes, including a year's membership of Brampton Park Golf Club, a Greene King Brewery tour and Wimbledon tickets. The day raised £2,500.

INFORMATION: The next major fundraising event to help the Saxongate Appeal is the Campbell Buchanan Race Day. This will be at Huntingdon Racecourse on August Bank Holiday Monday (August 28). Racegoers can support the appeal through a special pre-booked ticket offer. Premier enclosure tickets are available for £12 each (usually £16) with £2 of the ticket price going directly to the appeal. Tickets must be booked in advance by telephoning Huntingdon Racecourse on 01480 453373, and quoting code PAP06.