A CHARITY tackling homelessness has raised thousands at its annual Shrove Tuesday contest.
Launchpad celebrated its 26th annual Pancake Race, which saw 36 teams battle it out for the frying pan trophy.
Teams of four raced along Broad Street while flipping pancakes in fancy dress in aid of the charity’s work supporting those struggling with housing issues in Reading.
The event, sponsored by TIEVA and Reading Town Centre BID (Business Improvement District), saw a hotly-contested showdown between planning and development consultancy Lichfields, creative agency TMW, and Air IT.
TMW would eventually take the win dressed as characters from a Harry Enfield sketch, complete with tracksuits, curly wigs, and fake moustaches, to take home the trophy and a cocktail masterclass session at The Roseate.
The team from Aldermore raised more than £400 alone and Davis Tate’s Willy Wonka-themed costumes garnered them the Best Fancy Dress award.
Overall the event raised more than £7,900.
Kirsti Wilson, head of fundraising and marketing at Launchpad, said: “It’s so wonderful that the pancake race has been embraced by the local business community.
“In all, 36 teams signed up this year and we had more on a waiting list – the costumes were as incredible as ever, with Peaky Blinders rubbing shoulders with Oompa Loompas and astronauts.”
She added: “We’re also grateful to the hundreds of people that cheered on the runners – the race just wouldn’t be the same without them.
“Our joyful and silly event has a very serious purpose – to raise essential funds and awareness that we are here for anyone that has become homeless, or is threatened by homelessness, regardless of their personal circumstances.
“In these challenging times this is a vital message.”
Pictures by Dan Blackham
