Wem wheelbarrow fun run raises hundreds for charity

The Wem Wheelbarrow fun run took place on Sunday December 19, returning after an enforced year off because of Covid-19.

One of the organisers, Sue Holliday, said the event’s goal was to raise money for two charities; Grinshill Dogs Rescue Home and Sleapy Cat Rescue Home, with £350 raised.

Sue added: “The small committee of eight came up with this idea in the summer of 2019 as Wem always had a reputation for doing crazy fundraising events.

"But things had ‘gone a bit quiet’ so this fun idea came to fruition as well as the successful Scarecrow Trail held in the summer months.

"Of course Covid prevented us from running the wheelbarrow race in 2020 but the Scarecrow Trail was a Covid friendly outdoor event that gave families something to do together during that time.

"Both events have always been well supported but that’s the kind of community Wem is.”

A raffle was held with winner Andrew Tudor receiving a hamper.

The route was around 1.5 miles, covering six pubs in Wem where a drink was had in each, with a good turnout with people wearing Christmas-themed costumes and decorating their wheelbarrows.

The winners, Linda Skilton, Lewis and Liley, took 22 minutes to finish the circuit, which involved consuming a drink in all the pubs.

Liley, dressed as the grinch, won the award for best dressed child.

They were followed by Lucy Evans and Sarah Fox, who were dressed as the Santa Twins, who finished five minutes behind.

The best dressed adults prize went to Ali and Sam Ridgway who dressed as Mary and Joseph.