WITH just days left to go before the biggest fundraising event ever held in Tavistock, more sporting support has this week been announced for the Bedford Mile. Former England and Bath rugby player Graham Dawe, an ex-Tavistock College student and chairman of rugby at National League One club Plymouth Albion, is backing the fun run on Sunday April 1. Graham, 47, is hoping to do the run himself — and five of Plymouth Albion's first team players will also take part in the big event. Graham said: 'I think this is an outstanding idea. To have a facility as good as what is proposed for Tavistock will totally enhance the town and the area — and with the Olympics coming to the UK in 2012, that's all part of it. 'It's is a great way of raising money for it — the important thing now is to get as many people taking part as possible!' Organisers of the fun run say thousands of people will be completing the route between Bedford Square and Drake's Statue — it is hoped the event will raise £100,000 towards the £300,000 needed to build a new eight-lane, synthetic athletics track on the grounds of Tavistock College. The Track4Tavistock campaign is a partnership between Tavistock Athletic Club, Tavistock College and Kelly College. Martin Exley, of Tavistock Athletic Club, said: 'Top sportsmen understand the need for great facilities and Albion recognise we have an opportunity to build a fantastic track for the benefit of everyone in this area. 'We're thrilled they've agreed to participate and hope everyone will want to join them.' Martin said the Bedford Run was open to 'absolutely everyone' — from babies in prams and toddlers to senior citizens. Although members of sports and athletics clubs from all over Devon and Cornwall were participating, the event was not a race and the emphasis was on fun — and the all-important fundraising. 'Fancy dress is definitely to be encouraged!' he said. In addition to the fun run itself, which takes place between 2pm and 4pm, there will be an April Fool's Day market, music and a bar in the town hall and a hog roast and refreshments on Bedford Square. During the evening, there will be a band night between 6pm and 10pm at the Wharf with music from Imij, Spaced out Summer, Riven (formerly Blue Steel), Output, The Debs Kemp Band, Chigwah and Simple Design. Tickets are £5 and are available from The Wharf box office. To register for the Bedford Mile, go to http://www.track4tavistock.co.uk">www.track4tavistock.co.uk Sponsor forms are also available in the Times office or from Keith Bowles on 613607.
