Dash for cash has a Bulls star prize

Youngsters from across the Bradford district are being invited to take part in the community 'bleep test' challenge which tests fitness and also raises money for the T&A-backed MRI appeal.

Winners will take the field at Odsal stadium to be presented with their prizes at the end of the challenge, which has been backed by Bradford Bulls. MRI appeal organiser Sally-Anne Bennett said the bleep test involved walking or running between two fixed points 20 metres apart before the bleep went on a pre-recorded tape.

The time gap between bleeps got quicker and quicker as the test continued and if the runners did not reach the fixed point before the bleep sounded they were eliminated.

Groups would be asked to hold their own heats and winners would make their way towards the finals at a Bradford Bulls home game in the summer in front of thousands of fans.

"In addition to promoting the theme of health and fitness, the competition is designed to raise funds as well," she said.

"We want to help organisations taking part as well so we thought the sponsorship raised could be divided between each school or group and the appeal."

Steve Fairhurst, community services manager for the Bradford Bulls, said the bleep test would raise cash for a very worthy cause.

"When our own players have been injured they have been referred for a MRI scan so we know how vital this equipment is,'' he said.

The competition will be divided between boys and girls in four age categories - under seven, under 11, under 13 and under 16. Everyone taking part will get a certificate, semi finalists will get a medal and all finalists will get a trophy and prizes including signed rugby balls and shirts.

Organisations raising the most cash and highest individual fundraisers will also win prizes.

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