Over 800 people ran a mile for good causes in Warrington!

LAST weekend families and friends raised thousands of pounds for charity by taking part in a family fun run at Gulliver's World, Warrington. People of all ages came together on the sunny Sunday morning and walked, ran or toddled the mile course around Gulliver's World. With over 800 participants it was a huge success with people raising money for a number of charities including local charities:- Warrington Wolves Foundation, St. Rocco's Hospice and national charities, such as:- Cancer Research UK and The British Red Cross.

Margaret Larson, who works in the catering department at Gulliver's World also took part in the 1 mile race. At 75 years old it was her 1st time as a participant in the fun run and she loved every minute! "I have worked at Gulliver's World for over 6 years now and the fun run is one of the highlights of the year, it's such an enjoyable day for all. This is the 1st year I have taken part in the race though, and I'm now about to get changed into my uniform to start work, what a way to start the day! All the other members of staff have been supportive and were cheering me across the finish line. My time was just under 15 minutes which, at 75, I'm very pleased with. I have run to raise money for the The Lilac Centre at St. Helens Hospital, but I have also had a great time. I am hoping to beat my time next year too."

Shaun Briscoe, Partnership Manager at The Warrington Wolves Foundation came along to Gulliver's World for the day to raise awareness about what they do and to support the two children who were running on behalf of their foundation. "Leon Hoey who is just 7 years old is here today running in the 1-mile fun run. This is something which wouldn't have been possible a year ago! He has recently undergone surgery and has cystic fibrosis. Leon is part of our physical disability Rugby Team which welcomes players of all ages and abilities, we adjust the rules so that its fair for all and they all have a brilliant time. We are really grateful to Gulliver's for inviting us here today to take part and have a stand, I want to say a personal thanks to the Gulliver's team for being so helpful with the organisation too, it's a very well run event. We create life changing opportunities for children through sport, education and arts to celebrate and inspire the Warrington community. Our aim is to make sure all children can take part and enjoy the things they love, no matter their circumstance! This fun run is a brilliant idea, 1 mile is just far enough to be a challenge but still accessible for children."

Jamie Barnett, aged 12, ran beside Leon in the fun run and is also a player in the physical disability team for the Warrington Wolves Foundation. He was really excited to be part of the day. Jamie commented:- "I have been to Gulliver's World a few times and love the rides but this fun run is extra special. I don't know what position we came in during the race or how long it took us, but we had a lot of fun and now me and Leon are going to go around the theme park for the rest of the day. We got a medal and a goody bag at the end too! I really enjoy being part of the rugby team, I've made new friends and learnt a lot."

For more information about Gulliver's World or to book your visit go to:- GulliversFun.Co.UK. For more information about:- 'The Warrington Wolves Foundation' or how to get involved, visit:- WolvesFoundation.Com.

Edge Hill University wins Global Teaching Excellence Spotlight award

EDGE Hill University has been acknowledged as one of the world's finest teaching institutions, winning a:- 'Global Teaching Excellence Spotlight Award' in recognition of:- 'the quality of support and engagement infrastructure for students.'

The prestigious award was announced, on Wednesday, 18 July 2018, at a ceremony, in Edinburgh.

The Global Teaching Excellence Awards (GTEA) recognise and celebrate institution wide commitment to the pursuit of teaching excellence and are open to all providers of higher education across the world. Institutions based in 41 countries across 6 continents were considered as part of the judging process. The 17 finalists included prestigious Universities from:- Australia, Canada and South Africa, with Edge Hill being 1 of just 5 Universities to receive a:- 'Global Teaching Excellence Spotlight Award.'

Vice Chancellor Dr John Cater said:- "This international award is a significant endorsement of the excellence of teaching and learning at this University. Our staff are wholeheartedly dedicated to students and their achievement, and the University continues to invest in the best possible facilities for learning - our new ₤27m Catalyst building, housing the library, student services and careers being just one example. Together with our TEF Gold ranking for teaching excellence and the award of University of the Year for Student Retention by the Times and Sunday Times, the GTEA Spotlight Award demonstrates that we are delivering world class outcomes for the people who matter most; our students."

Svava Bjarnason, chair of the GTEA 2018 judging panel and a former member of the World Bank Education Sector Board, said:- "Having chaired the inaugural GTEA judging panel last year, it was an honour to continue in the role in 2018. This year's entries were of a very high calibre and I congratulate all the 2018 finalists."

Alison Johns, chief executive of Advance HE said:- "The quality of submissions for GTEA 2018 was outstanding. The finalists all provided exemplary evidence of their commitment to the pursuit of teaching excellence and it is so important to recognise and reward this on a global stage. Great teaching galvanises staff and students. It also has far reaching implications for society as a whole. The GTEA 2018 finalists deserve to be recognised; and celebrated!"