Bridge The Gap success

Three local charities have been presented with cheques of £14,000 each, the proceeds of the fourth Bridge the Gap charity walk.

In September 2005, a record 2,600 walkers took part in Bridge The Gap, raising an enormous £42,000. The walk is organised by the University of Cambridge, Cambridge Evening News and Cambridge University Press.

The three local charities to receive their share of the £42,000 total were the Arthur Rank Hospice, the Cambridge Samaritans and Press Relief, which makes grants to small local causes.

Many walkers had personal reasons for taking part in the walk, having had a friend or loved one supported by one of these charities. Others simply want to see the beautiful College grounds.

Penny Wilson, Community Relations Co-ordinator at the University of Cambridge, said: “Each year the Colleges welcome thousands of local people into their grounds for the annual Bridge the Gap walk. We are delighted that in its first four years, Bridge the Gap has so far raised more than £130,000 for local causes, and seen nearly 7,000 walkers.”

At the official post-walk presentation, held yesterday at the offices of the Cambridge Evening News, prizes were given for the most successful fundraisers and for the best fancy dress.

Nick Williams was the top adult fundraiser - raising £426.50, and Brenda Chapman and her family were the top team - raising £669.87.

Ten year old Laura Goodwin raised £116 which earned her the place of top junior fundraiser. Kate Cann and Sylvi Rackman won the prize for best fancy dress, having walked the 4.5 mile walk dressed as Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn. They walked in 2004 as college cats, and have already picked their fancy dress theme for the 2006 walk!

The next Bridge the Gap walk will take place on Sunday 10 September 2006.