URMSTON runner Joel Harrison completed the Bupa Great Manchester Run to raise funds with his fellow students and staff members in aid of the War Child Charity.

Abbey College Manchester student Joel, aged 18, who lives on Church Road, was one of the team of 13 staff and pupils from the college who limbered up for charity to complete the 10K challenge, who together raised £2,090.

The money raised from the run will go to the War Child Charity, which supports and improves the protection of young people around the world who live with a combination of insecurity, poverty and exclusion in some of the worst conflict-affected places.

Abbey College Manchester principal, Liz Elam accompanied the staff members and students in the run.

She said: “It was an honour to join our students and staff to raise money for a fantastic cause. The War Child Charity carries out admirable work to protect children who are living in extremely difficult circumstances.

“Being part of this wonderful event really rallied the students and staff together to give something back to those who are less fortunate.”

Joel, who is currently studying for A-Levels in psychology, biology and environmental studies, said: “It was fantastic to be part of such a great event and to have raised money for a fantastic charity that makes a real difference to children’s lives. We have all trained really hard for this but knowing we have made a real difference by raising £2,090 makes it all worthwhile.”

The Bupa Great Manchester Run has seen over a quarter of a million enthusiastic runners pound the streets of Manchester since its first staging in 2003.

You can support Principal Liz Elam and the Abbey College Manchester team’s run in aid of the War Child Charity by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/teams/abbeycollege2014.