Shropshire Star

Bells run given ringing endorsement

It was a beautiful run across countryside on the Shropshire border – and those taking part were brought home by the sound of a village's church bells.

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The Pattingham Bells run has become a traditional fundraiser for St Chad's Church, as well as raising money for Acorns Care for Children, Midlands Air Ambulance.

This year, around 500 took part in the challenging seven-mile race, the 27th to be run.

And, as always the people of Pattingham have runners their warmest of welcomes, greeting them at the end of the run with as cup of tea and a piece of cake.

Runners from across Shropshire and Staffordshire, as well as further afield, took part.

Among them was the Bishop of Wolverhampton, the Right Reverend Clive Gregory, as well as an 88-year-old from a running club in Nottingham.

Reverend Maureen Hobbs, of St Chad's Church, said: "It was a lovely occasion and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

"They were exhausted when they crossed the finish line but they still said it was great fun, so I will take their word for it.

"The fine weather always helps and Staffordshire was looking at its best.

"A lot of effort goes into putting the event on. A lot of people are involved in the day including marshals, people giving out refreshments and timing the run."

The Pattingham Bells is an important event for St Chad's Church.

The vicar added: "The church usually receives about half the proceeds. The rest go to other local good causes.

"At the moment our boiler appears to have broken down so we have always got things to pay for."

The race was first run in 1990 to collect cash to replace the old wooden bell frame in the belfry of St Chad's before being transformed into an annual event by its popularity.

The race is open to anyone aged 17 and over, with half of the entrants coming from top local running clubs.

Each runner received this year's uniquely designed brass, manufactured in Bloxwich, and a piece of homemade cake and choice of tea or coffee.

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