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By Emma Grove
There were no villains, just heroes on the streets of Sheppey as the sun shone on more than 700 people at one of the Island’s biggest fundraising events.
The heroes and villains themed Paul Trigwell Island Run took place on Sunday to raise money for the Paul Trigwell Memorial Fund.
This year was the third annual run in memory of Mr Trigwell, the head of St George’s Middle School, who died suddenly in 2006.
The fund is for under-privileged children.
About 720 runners took part in three different runs – the two-mile fun run from The Beach Hotel in Minster, finishing in Beach Street, Sheerness, the 10-mile run from Leysdown, also finishing in Beach Street, and for the first time, one team took part in a 10-mile relay race.
The total amount raised has not yet been announced, but organisers hope it will beat last year’s total of £11,000.
There were plenty of people running in fancy dress including Mr Trigwell’s son Andrew as Banana Man, former St George’s teacher Andy Scott as a Ghostbuster, Scooby-Doo and Spider-Man.
Mr Trigwell’s widow, Fiona, said: “It was an amazing day and the amount of runners is the most we have ever had – up about 100 from last year.
“It’s not just the support from colleagues and friends doing all the marshalling and things, but when you get more than 700 people running for an Island charity I think it’s amazing.
“On top of that there’s all the people who come and support the runners and stand outside their houses.
“At one point there must have been about 1,500 people at the finish line – it was brilliant.
“Paul would be very proud, he loved the Island and the community and the children who came through his school.
“It is an emotional day, but very worthwhile.”