Disco runs up cash for have-a-go day

A CHARITY disco in memory of partially sighted GB paralympian Paul Pearce was a runaway success. Almost 300 people attended the event on Friday at Plinston Hall in Letchworth GC. More than £5,000 was raised from ticket sales and an auction of items and pr

A CHARITY disco in memory of partially sighted GB paralympian Paul Pearce was a runaway success.

Almost 300 people attended the event on Friday at Plinston Hall in Letchworth GC.

More than £5,000 was raised from ticket sales and an auction of items and promises ranging from a day's sailing on the Solent to fence painting.

The idea of the disco was to raise money to fund a have-a-go day for blind and partially sighted youngsters when experienced athletes provide expert coaching in a range of athletic events.

In fact, said event organiser Lysa Ralph from the North Herts Road Runners, it brought in enough to fund three special British Blind Sports days in Kent later this year.

The disco featured a performance by tribute band The Pistols which includes a member of the Runners, a club which Mr Pearce represented on many occasions.

Mr Pearce, who lived in Letchworth GC and worked as a window cleaner in Biggleswade, died in February when he was struck by a lorry on the Stotfold bypass.

At the time, he was training for an attempt on the world marathon record for his disability category.

Mr Pearce was a great supporter of have-a-go days and regularly provided coaching at them.