STAFF and students at Bury College have shown their support for Bury Hospice by raising hundreds of pounds.

Members of the electro-technical department handed over a cheque for £290 raised in a sponsored run.

Ten members of staff ran together to cover the distance of a marathon — 26.2 miles — at Bury Athletics Track.

Lecturer in electrical installation Steven Walsh said: “Everyone really enjoyed running the marathon, but we all had sore legs the day after.

“The hospice is a very good cause and a local charity that we all have an interest in. It’s great that we could help in this way.”

Fundraising will continue when a group of 12 students from the level three public services course do a sponsored swim on Tuesday when they aim to cover five miles in two hours at Ramsbottom Pool.

The swimmers are being supported by a fundraising committee of five students, who are collecting sponsorship and donations. They are also planning a street collection in Bury town centre on Tuesday, June 19.

Student Jacob Ball, aged 17, who helped organise the swim, said: “It’s really rewarding being able to raise money for a valued local charity. The fundraising has also helped me prepare for the volunteering module of my course and has given me useful skills for my CV, such as time management and organisation.”

Tutor Laura Mack added: “The students have been very enthusiastic in organising this fundraising event, gaining skills while contributing to an important local charity.”

Hospice community fundraiser Michelle King said: “During the past year we have had a great deal of involvement with Bury College students and the benefits to all concerned have been enormous.”

To sponsor the swimmers, call the college’s Beacon Centre reception on 0161 280 8525 or email laura.mack @burycollege.ac.uk.