DESPITE dismal weather, the annual charity run and walk on New Year’s Day at Lasham Airfield proved another resounding success, raising more than £500 for charity.

Fifty-eight people took part in the event, bringing family and friends to support them.

They ran or walked a course that took them once around the airfield perimeter – around three miles.

The winner was Stuart McLay, from Four Marks, who completed the circuit in 16 minutes 19 seconds – almost two minutes quicker last year’s winning time. The last walker home finished at noon – just before it started to rain!

According to event organiser and Lasham Gliding Society member Marjorie Hobby, this year’s tombola, manned by Ann Mells, raised a thumping £110 toward the final total, while Gill Blackman and Ryan Farr came up trumps with £90 in sponsorship.

Trish Williams did “a great job” in dispensing ‘hot toddies’ to the finishing participants and Alice and her team in the restaurant did a brisk business in soup, coffee, and other goodies.

Mrs Hobby has expressed grateful thanks to all those who contributed and took part in the event to help raise £502 which this year will go to the Cinnamon Trust – the only specialist national charity whose prime objective it is to preserve the treasured relationship between elderly and terminally ill owners and their pets, at a time when they may be at risk of separation.