Team SERC Public Services Complete Belfast City Marathon

A group of second year BTEC Extended Diploma in Public Services students took part in the Belfast City Marathon as a relay team. The team consisted of five runners and two substitutes. Running along side approximately 16,000 others, Team SERC completed the 26.2-mile race in 4 hours 10 minutes.

While the marathon was ran by second year students, eight first year students volunteered at the end event for Cancer Focus NI, providing guidance, direction, and support to members of the public, as well as distributing water to fatigued finishers at Ormeau Park.

Speaking about the student’s efforts and their studies Public Services Lecturer Irwin Pryce said “The students are studying the Leadership and Teamwork in the Public Services unit. Participation in this event has allowed them to meet assessed criteria as they completed a team activity with one student assigned as a leader who briefed and debriefed the team.

“The students are also studying the Volunteering in the Public Services unit. As part of completing this, students must carry out voluntary work. They are currently working towards Millennium Volunteers and Duke of Edinburgh Award. This activity has allowed them to accrue hours towards this additional qualification.”

Irwin concluded by saying “The team selflessly participated in this event in an effort to raise funds for Fight Eating Disorders. Recently, one of the public services teaching team lost his daughter to this illness after battling for many years. The students felt it was appropriate to raise money for this valuable cause and show support.

“The just giving page for the fundraiser is currently still open for those who still wish to donate to this wonderful charity who provide support and advice to parents and carers who have a loved one suffering from an eating disorder.”

You can find the just giving page here.

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Caption: Team SERC Public Services took completed the Belfast City Marathon at a time of 4 hours 10 minutes. The team participated to raise funds for Fighting Eating Disorders. Pictured (L-R) Elle Mairs, Dawson Whan, Rachael Martin, Dylan Greer, Patrick Morgan