Race for Life - Sunday, July 10, 2005.
With a tiger in their midst, the allpay.net ladies showed no fear as they completed the Race for Life in scorching conditions in Hereford.
Thirty-three ladies from the country's leading payment solution specialist charged around the 3.1-mile course with Cancer Research UK at the front of their minds.
There was certainly no hiding place for the allpay ladies whose distinctive orange T-shirts were visible from all parts of a packed Hereford Racecourse. Fearless Client Care Team Advisor Sheila Murray looked a true picture - and caught the attention of the Wyvern FM crew - after dressing up as a tiger. Business Analyst Emma Murphy showed her athletic ability and was the first staff member to cross the finishing line in a commendable 25 minutes. She was closely followed home by Sales Director, Debbie Gratland and Direct Debit Administrator Dawn Turner.
But whether taking part in the race just for fun, or in it to win it, the allpay team shared one common goal - to raise funds and awareness for Cancer Research UK.
Team captain and Marketing Executive Rebecca Morris lost her grandfather, great uncle and great aunt to the awful disease. The 23-year-old thoroughly enjoyed the day and hopes her team will build on last year's success that saw them raise £1,500 in sponsorship for Cancer Research UK.
Speaking after the race, she commented:
"It has been a brilliant day - and the biggest thing to come out of it, has been the fantastic team spirit. There was a sense of happiness around and it was great to see so many smiling faces."
Rebecca said competitors were motivating each other during the race and, as soon as they had finished, people flocked to the sidelines to cheer on their peers.
The race, nationally, is the UK's biggest women-only fund-raising event and last year's Hereford Race for Life attracted 3,000 entrants who between them raised £48,000 for the charity.
allpay Web Designer Mel Bagley watched his sister Gemma, take part in the race and was very impressed with the enthusiasm from everyone.
"It was a fantastic atmosphere and the distinctive orange shirts meant you could easily spot our ladies from all parts of the course", he said.
If you would like to sponsor the allpay team or make a donation to Cancer Research UK, please contact 0870 243 3434 to find out how.
The leading allpay ladies were:
- Emma Murphy (25 mins)
- Debbie Gratland (26 mins)
- Dawn Turner (27 mins)
- Paulette Marston (28 mins)
- Rebecca Morris (29 mins)
- Sarah Rumball (30 mins)
- Alison Coupland (30 mins)
- Georgina Smith (30 mins)
- Deborah Adams (30 mins)
- Deborah Lloyd (31 mins)
