Uniformed Protective Services Students Take on Belfast City Marathon Team Relay For Local Cancer Charity
On Sunday 4th May, SERC Uniformed Protective Services students will be getting ready to race as they take part in the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon Team Relay. The team consists of five runners and two substitutes, all of which are SERC students. The team have elected Cancer Focus NI as their chosen charity, as several of the team have previously volunteered for the charity through their course at various events.
Remaining Uniformed Protective Services students not taking part in the team relay, will volunteer at the event for the official charity, Air Ambulance NI, by providing advice, guidance, direction and support to members of the public.
By participating in the event as relay runners and charity volunteers, students will earn credits toward their course units. As part of their studies, they are completing a ‘Teamwork and Leadership’ unit, and this event provides an opportunity to meet assessed criteria by engaging in a team activity. One student will take on the role of leader, responsible for briefing and debriefing their team.
Additionally, this fundraising event allows students to accumulate hours for the Volunteer Now Impact Awards and fulfil the requirements of their volunteering unit.
Physical fitness is essential for all protective service careers, with fitness tests often including a timed run. The team has been pushing beyond their comfort zones and training rigorously for the relay. You can follow their training journey here.
SERC Lecturer in Public Services Irwin Pryce, said: “On behalf of the team, I would be very grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes and donate a small amount of money towards this worthwhile cause which the team care deeply about. Your donation will go a long way in helping the charity to provide care and support services for cancer patients and their families, offer a range of cancer prevention programmes to help people lessen their risk of getting cancer, fund scientific research into the causes and treatment of the disease, and campaign for better health policies to protect our community and its future.”
Jamie McCann, Community Fundraising Officer at Cancer Focus NI, noted: “We are delighted to see the SERC students taking part in the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon and raising vital funds to support local people on their cancer journey. The team are always enthusiastic and passionate, volunteering at key events for Cancer Focus NI throughout the last number of years, and have made a lasting impact on our charity and the people we support. We wish them the best of luck on race day, and we will be cheering them on every step of the way.”
