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Thousands take part in
2012 Medway Mile

by Rebecca Hughes

The Medway Mile set a new personal best this year with a record
show of runners, walkers and spectators turning out to mark the
official start of the 2012 Olympics.

A total of 3,000 people took part
in the fully-booked, mile-long run from Rochester Castle Gardens on
Friday.

Among those pounding the course
were 30 Royal Engineers in full kit.

Engineer Kevin Haley, 30, from 1
RSME, said: "We get a lot of support from the community so we like
to give something back, which is why we run it.

"This year we had 30 volunteers,
which on a Friday afternoon when people have families to go home to
is great. The event was really fantastic and it was a lot busier
this year than last."

The mass mile also saw several
wheelchair-users, including 75-year-old Rose Smith, from
Gillingham, take part for the Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Unit
at Medway Maritime Hospital.

She said: "I wanted to take part
because of the babies and it was absolutely brilliant.

"It took me 26 minutes to complete
and I even did some of it on my own without being pushed.

"I was waving to everyone and I
can’t wait to do something like it again."

Rose was joined on the Oliver
Fisher team by sisters Chloe, 14, and Kacey Mae Swoffer, nine. The
pair have been running the race for four years to raise money for
the unit that helped save their lives.

Chloe, who spent six weeks in
intensive care after being born prematurely and weighing just 3lb
1oz, said: "Now we’re old enough to realise what the unit did for
us we want to raise money for it.

"This year was the best so far
because there were far more people.

"It’s really important that people
fundraise for the unit because it saved my life."

Other runners included pirate Jack
Sparrow, Gillingham FC mascot Tommy T and 17-year-old Josh Abbott
of Charles Drive, Cuxton, who dressed up as a banana.

He said: "It was just a bit of fun
really and it was a good laugh raising £100 for Help for
Heroes.

"The atmosphere was good – everyone
was really happy and it was great for bringing the people
together."

After the race acrobatic displays and bands took to the stage as
children had the chance to get their faces painted and take part in
arts and craft activities.