East Cambs charities benefit from spoils of potato race
representatives of five worthy causes recieve their cheques - Credit: Archant
The winners and organisers of this year’s Ely Potato Race handed a share of £1,000 to five good causes on Friday.
representatives of five worthy causes recieve their cheques - Credit: Archant
Tony Lee, of race winners AL Lee & Sons, together with staff and directors of Isle of Ely Produce, chose five out of all the deserving cases who responded to a story in the Ely Standard just before Christmas.
The money, part of a £2,000 charitable bounty, was given to AL Lee and Star Radio after winning the potato race, held in Ely’s High Street in October.
Hundreds lined High Street for the race – some even hanging out of shop windows – to cheer on the teams as they sprinted the half-a-mile course each laden with a 20kg bag of spuds, all of which had been grown by farmers in the Fens surrounding the city.
The two-man Star Radio team of Oliver and Adam Scott were crowned champions, comfortably winning their heat before, in the final, powering away from runners-up Paradise Pool in a dash to the line.
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Star Radio raced on behalf of AL Lee & Sons – and both received a £1,000 charity prize.
The five local charities chosen were:
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The Friends of Ely St John’s School -raising money for a new work pod
Busy Bees Pre School Littleport - for much needed equipment
Pos+Ability Ely - helping stroke victims regain vital functions
Voluntary and Community Action Ely - ‘Helping Hands’ - volunteers helping local people with gardening etc
Tony Lee, said: “To win the potato race was very special for the whole team here at the farm, and to donate our spoils to five local charities seemed to be the best way to share in our happiness.”
Oliver Boutwood, director of organisers Isle of Ely Produce, said: “It was a fantastic race and we look forward to welcoming everyone back again next year. To raise more than £2,000 for charity was fantastic, too. The five charities were chosen carefully from all of the nominations received”.
Also receiving £200 for its charity efforts will be the Rotary Club of Ely, which marshalled the streets.
The race will be held again in October this year.
If you would like to be involved in the 2014 Potato Race as a competitor sponsor or helper please contact Austen at austen@isleofely.co.uk
