Cambridge Community raises £61,250 for Arthur Rank in Chariots Dash

Cambridgeshire’s biggest charitable relay event, Chariots of Fire, saw 280 local businesses and organisations enter teams to take part in the 1.7 mile relay race, raising an amazing £61,250 for the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity (ARHC).

Over 1,600 runners took part in the landmark race on Sunday 19 March 2023, setting off from Queens’ Green in Cambridge. Colin Jones, Race Director for Chariots of Fire, commented: “We’re delighted that our determined runners have raised so much for such a worthy cause. Once again, it was a fun-packed family day with plenty of team spirit and friendly rivalry between local firms, and University colleges.”

HCR Hewitsons Charitable Trust, which organises the Chariots of Fire race every year, handed a giant cheque for the total sum to ARHC on Monday 5th June.

All the money raised will go towards the expansion of the charity’s retail business, which helps generate vital income to provide care for people diagnosed with an advanced illness or those at the end-of-life and crucial support for their loved ones.

Donna Talbot, Communications and Income Generation Director for ARHC, said: “We’re so grateful to all those who supported this iconic race by getting involved and raising funds. The money raised will enable us to open a new shop and help towards the running costs for the first year. Aside from our commitment to support our community to reuse and recycle, this will provide volunteering and employment opportunities.

“Most importantly though, this will enable us to continue raising awareness of our charity and the care we provide and crucially raise more money to help fund our vital hospice services. This will allow us to support an even greater number of people living with a life limiting illness or those who are approaching the end of their life. Chariots of Fire was a fitting and celebratory finale to our 40th anniversary year.”

Image courtesy of the Cambridge Independent.