The AAA have been left a substantial bequest by an elderly lady, Mrs Louise Pink, for a children’s programme in memory of her son Tom who was tragically killed in an accident in the early 1950’s. After discussion with UKA and England Athletics, it was decided to use this generous gift to fund a series of children’s relays in support of and leading up to the 2012 games in London. SportCity hosted the North West Tom Pink relays on the 9th March where teams from Manchester, Sale, Cheshire, Lancashire, Cumbria and Liverpool took part.
In the Greater Manchester team 10 of Bolton United Harriers U13s took part all had a superb day not only helping Greater Manchester win the overall event but also break 3 British records.
In the Under 11 girls’ 1000 metres continuous relay, a team of five running in 50 metre sprints which included Demi-Lee Scott, Lizzie Oliver and Sophie Reaper ran against a record stood at 2mins 49 secs which they broke by nearly eight seconds, a truly remarkable feat. The 3 girls run a formidable relay when put together and have yet to be beaten.
The boys team also included three Harriers, Billy Mort, Aaron Stannard and NINE YEAR OLD Thomas Halliwell,they completed their relay with a time of 2 mins 41 seconds also breaking the current boys record.
Beyond the call of duty went to top under 13 sprinter Will Valentine, who not wanting to let the team down ran with fingers strapped together after breaking them during the week, first of all took part in the 1500 metres continuous relay team, each athlete sprinting 100 metre relays, once again breaking the national record with a time of 3m 29.2 sec then was asked “to help out” in the 1500 3 man relay, he ran a superb 500m again helping his team win 1st place.
The U13 girls also ran superb races Lorna Miller ran a brilliant 1st leg but unfortunately Sale Harriers last leg walked in front of Rachel Mcmorran causing her to collide and drop the baton but she managed to pick it up run a superb 100 m taking the team into 2nd place. In her race Emma Wiggans took the baton in last place but showing her usual determination she brought her team up to 3rd.
The Tom Pinks AAA Relays continue over the next few months but it will take a monumental effort by any team to beat these current times.