Cambridge’s iconic Chariots of Fire relay raises thousands for children’s charity

The Cambridge community came together on Sunday, 21 September for the 34th annual Chariots of Fire relay race, raising thousands of pounds for Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

Since it was first founded by HCR Law in 1991, Chariots of Fire has raised £1.6m for charitable initiatives, supporting a different local cause every year. This year’s event was once again organised by HCR Law, in partnership with running events company RunThrough.

Two Roald Dahl Nurses, Katrina Cousins and Clare Clark, from Addenbrooke’s joined their VIP running mate Amelle Berrabah (singer, presenter and former Sugababe) to start the race in glorious sunshine before nearly 300 teams of six runners took to the streets to support the charity.

The charity fundraises to establish Roald Dahl Nurses in NHS Trusts across the UK, including here in Cambridgeshire. The nurses deliver a very different kind of specialist ‘make things happen’ support to some of the UK’s most seriously ill children, helping their families navigate an often stressful and complicated journey through healthcare.

There are currently over 200 Roald Dahl Nurses working in NHS Trusts across the UK providing care for over 40,000 children affected by complex, lifelong conditions.

The money raised will help the charity to extend its reach and bring its expert care to more families in need by establishing new specialist Roald Dahl Nurses.

Everyone from first-time racers to seasoned athletes took part, with some runners in fancy dress. The Roald Dahl Nurses gave it their everything and there was a ‘banana’ team, alongside those teams seeking a personal best. It was fantastic to see so many organisations and community teams participating and once again to see the incredible ‘Great Dames’ in action.

“We had the best day on Sunday,” says Louise Griew, Chief Executive of Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

“We have so appreciated the way this race and the Cambridge community have got behind our charity in the countdown to the event and to the thousands who stepped up to support us on the day. It moved and motivated us! Chariots of Fire not only raised vital funds for the work we do but allowed us to share our story and the story of the families our Roald Dahl Nurses support. Huge thanks and we look forward to sharing news of the difference you will have made.”

The winning teams for each category

• Male: Normalytics
• Female: Lara Pocock Team
• Mixed: Lara Pocock Mixed Team
• Veteran Male: Cambridge Angels
• Veteran Female: Move to Cambridge
• Veteran Mixed: Michael Gaunt Limited
• Super Veteran: Legs Miserables
• College Team: Jennifer Jenyon’s Team

There was some friendly competition between HCR Law colleagues too, as six teams from the law firm went head-to-head. Although they were all in it to win it, they were united by the common goal to raise as much money and awareness for Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity.

Each runner took on the 1.7 mile loop through the historic city centre, passing through the University of Cambridge’s King’s College and Trinity College. Racers also had the unique opportunity to run over Trinity Bridge, one of the city’s most striking landmarks.

The race started and finished at Queen’s Green, with food, drinks and entertainment for runners to refuel and relax in the event village after their race.

Natalie Minott, Head of HCR Law Cambridge Office, said: “It was fantastic to see the Cambridge community come together again for Chariots of Fire. The energy was amazing and you could really feel the community spirit, with runners of all abilities cheering each other on.

“We’re thrilled about how much money we’ve raised for Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity, which is such an important cause and will make a meaningful difference to local families. A big thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Chariots of Fire a success!”