PHOTOS: Rugby Pancake Race raises money for Mia

Rugby’s annual Ladies’ Pancake Race took place in Sheep Street on Tuesday.

Scores of spectators lined the streets to cheer on the runners, who wowed the crows with their colourful outfits.

This year’s event raised £1,600 and some of the money will help nine-year-old Mia Williams from Rugby. Mia has cerebral palsy and was born without eyes.

Her parents, Fran and Dean, have been fundraising to help buy specialised equipment and funds from the Rugby Rokeby Lion’s Pancake Race will be put towards a ‘safe chair’.

This will help Mia sit independently in the house and out in the garden.

Mia’s dad, Dean, said: “It’s amazing to see so many people come together and the event has a real community feel to it. We are overwhelmed by the support for Mia.”

Boots employee Yasmin Hannah took part in the race dressed as Minnie Mouse. She said: “I wanted to help raise money for Mia after reading her story and our company has donated some raffle prizes to help with the fundraising.”

Claire Waleczek completed her 24th race dressed as a Minion, along with her colleagues from Rugby Borough Council. The team won the ‘best fancy dress’ award.

Wellington’s Day Nursery has been raising money for Mia’s cause. The Regent Place nursery entered staff members Sophie Shaw, Joanne Hayden and Shareen Smith in this year’s race. Shareen was crowned the winner for the second year in a row.

Hazel Glenn from The Bull was commended for raising the most sponsorship after collecting £516 to help Mia and other local charities supported by the Lions.