TEACHERS, partners and friends at a Chester high school took part in a 24-hour running relay challenge to raise hundreds of pounds for a cancer charity.

The plucky team of Queen's Park High School teachers, partners and friends took part in the Equinox 24 race, under the banner of ‘QPHS Run for Cancer’.

This was the third year both teaching and support staff at QPHS have tested their endurance, stamina and fitness to take part in this ultimate running challenge.

The event took place at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire and involved running 10km laps of the castle grounds, starting at noon and lasting for 24 hours. This year, the school entered two teams.

QPHS Run for Cancer ‘A’ was a large team, new to endurance running. The team consisted of Tom Kearns, the new headteacher at Queen’s Park High School, Abbey Hunter, Clare Worthington, Alex Jones, Vicky Johnson, Wayne Connor Scahill, Millie Perks and Dave Walters.

Mr Kearns had agreed to run two daytime laps, but ended up running three, two of which were during the middle of the night.

QPHS Run for Cancer ‘B’ was a smaller team of experienced runners featuring Robin Johnson, Jill Cutler, Sean Taylor, Ludo Guerin and Rob Boggild. They managed an impressive 26 laps in 24 hours and achieved a third-place medal-winning podium finish.

The teams have been raising money for the Clatterbridge Cancer Charity in memory of family members and friends who had been lost to cancer. The total raised currently stands at £1,340.

People are being urged to help donate and help the teams reach their fundraising goal of £1,500 by visiting https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/QPHS_Run-For_Cancer_Equinox24

Headteacher Tom Kearns said: “Queen’s Park High school staff are driven to make a change beyond the school gates and regularly get involved in fundraising to support those in need.

"Being part of such a committed and hardworking team of people is truly a privilege.

"Each member of the equinox team pushed themselves to achieve our best with one team placing 3rd out of almost 750 teams, a great achievement for Queen’s Park staff whilst raising much-needed funds for Clatterbridge Cancer Support. Bring on our next challenge."