New College Durham Academies Trust brings together their family of schools to raise funds for Cancer Research UK
New College Durham Academies Trust (NCDAT) united their seven schools, for an inspiring charity event on Friday 18th July. Staff, students and families from all seven schools within the trust joined forces for a 26.2 mile marathon in aid of Cancer Research UK. The event, began at Consett Academy at 7am, and saw participants journey through each of the NCDAT schools, culminating in a celebratory finish at Wellfield School.
The idea of the marathon was conceived as a way to bring the schools together in support of a cause that affects many families across their community. Cancer Research UK, is renowned for its ground breaking work in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, and is a charity close to the hearts of many within the community and for that reason it is NCDAT’s chosen charity. With the support of staff and students across the schools, the trust hopes to raise substantial funds that will contribute to ongoing cancer research and support for those battling the disease.
The marathon had an opening ceremony on Thursday 17th July with Castleside Primary School setting off to Consett Academy to deliver the baton that was carried the entire 26.2 miles the next day. The marathon route began at Consett Academy and wound its way to Catchgate Primary School, North Durham Academy, Beamish Primary School, Pelton Community Primary School and finished at Wellfield School in Wingate. Cheering zones and refreshments were set up at each school, creating a celebratory atmosphere to unite the community. At the final stop there was ‘WellFest’, a celebration to congratulate all that have taken part and helped to raise money, this event was open to the public at and helped to celebrate the end of the marathon as well as the end of the school year.
Whether walking the full route or relaying between schools, this event encouraged a sense of comradery, with staff and students forming teams to support each other along the way.
Linda Rodham, CEO, New College Durham Academies Trust explains; “As a Multi Academy Trust that stretches right across County Durham, this event was a powerful reminder of how far-reaching yet close-knit, our community really is. We walked side by side for Business Beats Cancer North East and brought our community together like never before.”
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the generous sponsors who helped make this event such a success. Your support was invaluable and helped create a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Chartwells – thank you for providing refreshments to our walkers throughout the day.
Geordie Signs – thank you for providing t shirts and the baton to help bring our community together.
AK Teaching – thank you for providing water and sweets plus joining our Wellfield students to cross the finish line.
Donations can still be made online via www.bit.ly/ncdatmarathon,
