Every year NST choose a charity close to their hearts and throughout the year we run several events to raise money. This year we all agreed to support CRY in memory of a staff members close friend.

For our first fund raising event we put together a team of 13 women for the Blackpool 10k fun run. Our team name was Team Tortoise as the majority of us are not what you would call athletic!

On Sunday 8th May we all gathered together and fuelled ourselves with bacon butties. We all proudly wore our CRY t- shirts and a couple of us were delighted to be wearing the lovely foam hearts. When we arrived at the start line on Blackpool Promenade the crowd of people was endless and the atmosphere was wonderful, despite the Grey clouds upon us. Just as the race was about to begin the heavens opened and we all start to feel a little sorry for ourselves as the rain dripped from our noses and we were soaked from head to toe.

The klaxon sounded and miraculously, the rain just stopped. Our previous excitement was instantly restored and the crowd began to run. Some of the group continued to run the entire 10k whilst others soldiered on and walked together. The weather throughout seemed mild compared with the sudden outburst at the beginning.

NST are very proud that all 13 members completed the 10k. Those that ran waited at the end to encourage those who had decided to walk. Everyone cheered as each of us passed the finish line and collected our medal. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that the feeling of crossing the finish line was one of elation!

From this event alone we have so far raised £724. NST will continue raise money for CRY throughout the year by taking part in fun and trying events.

Stacy Barks – NST Educational Travel advisor